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I Am J Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

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I Am J by Cris Beam

I Am J

by Cris Beam
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (6):
  • First Published:
  • Mar 1, 2011, 352 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Nov 2012, 352 pages
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About this Book

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Transgender Teens and Bullying and our BookBrowse Review of I Am J.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Discussion Questions

  1. Describe J. What makes him a dynamic character? Is he the type of person you would want to befriend? Why or why not?
  2. How would you describe J's family? Are they in any way similar to your own? If so, in what ways?
  3. In I Am J, fear both motivates and incapacitates J. Consider how he deals with his fears. In what ways does he acknowledge them? Is he able to turn to others for help? What are the consequences of his reactions?
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  1. How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
  2. What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
  3. Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?


Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Reviews

Beyond the Book:
  Transgender Teens and Bullying

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