Dear Martin
#1 of 3 in Dear Martin Series
on Goodreads (82,826)
What’s inside...
Raw, captivating, and undeniably real, Nic Stone joins industry giants Jason Reynolds and Walter Dean Myers as she boldly tackles American race relations in this stunning debut.
Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy League—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.
Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.
Character compass
Justyce Mcallister
Emmanuel "Manny" Rivers
Melo Taylor
Sarah-Jane "SJ" Friedman
Jarius "Doc" Dray
Jared Christensen
Blake Benson
Tomás Castillo
Discussion points
How do the challenges Justyce faces relate to his identity, and how does he navigate these challenges?
What role do friendship and support play in Justyce's journey throughout the book?
How does the author use letters to Martin Luther King Jr. to deepen our understanding of Justyce's struggles?
In what ways did the book change your perspective on racism and social justice?
How do Justyce's experiences and the decisions he makes shape his future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the racism and injustices depicted in the book, and discuss ways they can take positive actions in their own community.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding by asking how they would feel in Justyce's situations, promoting deeper emotional insights.
Highlight the significance of mentors and role models like Martin Luther King Jr. in the book, and ask your child about their own role models and why they look up to them.
Create a supportive space for open dialogue, allowing your child to share their feelings and thoughts without judgment, enhancing the comprehension and emotional connection to the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding racial and social justice
Explanation: The protagonist, Justyce, navigates the challenges of being an African American teenager in a modern society, dealing with racial profiling and social injustices.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, which can foster more inclusive behavior and dialogue about race in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The power of self-reflection
Explanation: Throughout the book, Justyce writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to reflect on his experiences and feelings, using these writings as a way to process the world around him.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore journaling or writing as a healthy outlet for expressing emotions and thoughts, aiding mental health and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices and personal responsibility
Explanation: Justyce grapples with decisions that affect his future and learns to take responsibility for his actions and their consequences.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught the importance of making thoughtful decisions and understanding how their actions can influence their lives and the lives of others.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and striving for personal goals
Explanation: Justyce excels academically and aims for a bright future, showing determination despite the obstacles he faces.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to value their education, set personal goals, and persevere through challenges to achieve them.
Example Lesson: Building supportive relationships
Explanation: The book highlights relationships that Justyce builds with peers and mentors, demonstrating the importance of support systems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to nurture positive relationships with family, friends, and mentors, recognizing the value of a strong support network in overcoming life's challenges.