TL;DR
A young Black teen, Justyce, grapples with racism and police brutality by writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Nic Stone's powerful debut novel, Dear Martin.
What is Dear Martin about
Dear Martin is a gripping novel by Nic Stone that addresses racial injustice and police brutality. The story follows Justyce McAllister, an African American high school senior, who turns to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to navigate his anger and confusion after a traumatic incident with the police. Through a series of journal entries addressed to Dr. King, Justyce explores the relevance of King's teachings in contemporary America. The novel provides a poignant look at systemic racism and the challenges faced by young Black men in today's society.
Dear Martin 5 Key Takeaways
Traffic Stop Incident
Justyce McAllister, an honor student, is wrongfully handcuffed by a police officer during a traffic stop, spurring him to start a journal addressed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Journal to Dr. King
Justyce starts writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to make sense of his experiences and the racial injustices he witnesses.
Conflict with Officer
Justyce and his friend Manny have a heated encounter with an off-duty officer that escalates into violence, leading to a media frenzy that targets Justyce.
Media Fallout
In the aftermath of the shooting, Justyce faces intense scrutiny from the media and his community, questioning his beliefs and actions.
Personal Growth
Through his letters to Dr. King and the challenges he endures, Justyce gains a deeper understanding of racial issues and his own identity.
Top Dear Martin Quotes
- 'You can’t change how other people think and act, but you’re in full control of you.'
- 'People often learn more from getting an undeserved free pass than they would from being punished.'
Who should read Dear Martin?
Dear Martin is ideal for young adults, especially high school students, as it addresses critical issues of racism, identity, and social justice. However, its powerful themes and emotional depth make it a compelling read for adults as well.
Dear Martin Best Reviews
- 'Raw and gripping.' –Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You
- 'A must-read!' –Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give
- 'Powerful, wrenching.' –John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Turtles All the Way Down
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Dear Martin FAQs
What is the book 'Dear Martin' about?
Dear Martin follows Justyce McAllister, a Black teen who writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to navigate his experiences with racism and police brutality.
What grade level is 'Dear Martin' for?
The book is recommended for grades 9 and up due to its mature themes and language, though it may also be suitable for 8th graders.
Is the book 'Dear Martin' a true story?
While not a true story, Dear Martin is loosely based on real events involving the shooting deaths of unarmed African American teenagers.