Afro-Bets Kids I'm Gonna Be

The six children featured in several previous Afro-Bets titles here consider various career paths. Inserted on each page is a portrait of an African American professional, underneath which is a picture of one of the kids acting out the individual's career. For example, a child wearing a white coat and stethoscope announces: ``I'm gonna be a doctor like Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. I could discover a cure for a terrible disease.'' Jesse Jackson, director Spike Lee, physicist Shirley Jackson and diplomat Ralph Bunche are among the other figures included. A glossary provides definitions of each occupation and brief notes on the lives of the individuals cited. Though the book spotlights some strong role models, and in the end delivers a worthwhile message (always do one's best and never give up), the repetitive text and amateurish drawings make for a flawed effort. In addition, the use of ``gonna'' in both the title and dialogue is ill-advised. Ages 3-7. (Nov.)