I AM SOMEBODY!

In a complete but plodding account of his life in politics, a well-known African-American author explains Jackson's decision not to run for President in 1992. While less colorfully written and less detailed than Jakoubek's Jesse Jackson (Chelsea House, 1991), Haskins's book does give more historical background and a better sense of overall trends. Both strongly emphasize the early support of Jackson's family and demonstrate his strength in overcoming many race-based adversities. Neither hesitates to report controversy, particularly concerning Jackson's actions at the time of Martin Luther King's assassination. Both are authoritative and mildly sympathetic. On balance, Jakoubek's gripping use of language will more effectively involve general readers; Haskins just doesn't convey Jackson's ``heart'' appeal as well. In his bibliography, Haskins lists accessible magazine articles as well as most of the books Jakoubek also used. Index. B&w photos not seen. (Biography. 12+)