Dear Martin

Bibliography
Stone, Nic, 2017. DEAR MARTIN. New York, NY: Ember. ISBN 9781101939529

Plot Summary
Justyce McAllister is 17 year old high school senior, who was awarded a full scholarship to Braselton Preparatory Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. He is an extremely promising, bright student who has never been in trouble before. Until one night, he is trying to prevent his girlfriend driving drunk and get her home safely, when a police officer intervenes and makes the assumption he is up to no good. Without being given any chance to explain himself, he was beaten and arrested, because of the color of his skin. Unfortunately, it's not the only situation where Justyce is wrongly mistreated. Justyce begins to write to Martin Luther King Jr. for guidance and understanding of these horrible situations, not knowing how to feel and wondering how to find the answers to his unresolved questions about the treatment of young black men.  

Critical Analysis
Stone writes a moving, powerful story from the point of view from a young black student named Justyce McAllister. Justyce is a bright young man, he is top of his class and has never been in trouble. Despite growing up in a rough neighborhood, Justyce never let that define him and his potential. However, he begins to feel the color of his skin is defining his future for him, unfairly so. Young adults struggle enough with trying to find their places in this world and coming of age. After being wrongfully placed in handcuffs for preventing his girlfriend from drunk driving, Justyce doesn't know how to handle the blatant mistreatment. Then he and his best friend are shot at by an off duty police officer for listening to their music at a loud volume, his best friend dying as a result. Feeling heartbroken, confused, and in need of guidance, Justyce write letters in a journal addressed to Martin Luther King Jr. He seeks out advice, wisdom, and overall, just answers. He's not exactly sure why he begins to write to Martin, but he seems to want to emulate Martin's strength and resilience during the most difficult times. Justyce is young and trying to find out who he is, it's absolutely profound to see he looks up to a powerful role model such as Martin Luther King Jr. Young adults will not be able to put this story down, it is too important of a story to tell and will grip readers hearts and minds. This story gives readers the ugly truth of violence and racism in America, providing all points of view in the story.

Review Excerpt(s)
William C. Morris Award Finalist
New York Times Bestseller
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Though constrained, the work nevertheless stands apart in a literature that too often finds it hard to look hard truths in the face. Take interest and ask questions." 
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This important and thoughtful look at racism, and many issues stemming from and surrounding racism, should be in all teen collections." 
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "Vivid and powerful." 

Connections
- For readers looking to read a powerful, emotional story about the mistreatment of young, unarmed black men. 
- For young adults looking to read about the intense, hard truth about racism from the point of view of a 17 year old high school student. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Stone, Nic, 2022. DEAR JUSTYCE. ISBN 9781984829696.
Thomas, Angie & Stenberg, Amandla, 2022. THE HATE U GIVE. ISBN 9780062498540.

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