Jesse C. Jackson facts for kids

Jesse Jackson (born 1908, died 1983) was an African-American writer. He wrote many books, especially for young people. His stories often showed what it was like to be a minority in a community.

About Jesse Jackson

Jesse Jackson was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1908. His family was the only African-American family on the west side of town. They lived a comfortable life.

But in 1913, a big flood from the Scioto River made them lose their home. They had to move to a poorer part of town. An older friend took them in.

Jackson became one of the first writers to focus on the lives of African-American children. His books showed their everyday experiences. Often, these characters were minorities in mostly white communities.

One of his famous books is Call Me Charley, published in 1945. It tells the story of an African-American teenager. He tries to fit in at an all-white school in the suburbs.

Another important book was Tessie, published in 1968. This story is about a Black girl who gets a scholarship. She goes to a special private school in New York. Jesse Jackson passed away in North Carolina in 1983.

Jesse Jackson's Books

Jesse Jackson wrote many books for young adults. He also wrote other types of books.

Young Adult Stories

• Call Me Charley. Illustrated by Doris Spiegel. New York: Harper, 1945.
• Anchor Man. Illustrated by Doris Spiegel. New York: Harper, 1945.
• Room for Randy. Illustrated by Frank Nichols. New York: Friendship Press, 1957.
• Charley Starts from Scratch. New York: Harper, 1958.
• Tessie. Illustrated by Harold James. New York: Harper, 1968.
• The Sickest Don't Always Die the Quickest. New York: Doubleday, 1971.
• The Fourteenth Cadillac. New York: Doubleday, 1972.

Other Books

• (with Elaine Landau) Black in America. New York: Messner, 1973.
• Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord: The Life of Mahalia Jackson. New York: Crowell, 1974.