Dear Martin by Nick Stone
ISBN :978-1101939529
Bibliography: Stone, N. (2018). DEAR MARTIN. Simon & Schuster Children's Books.
Plot Summary:
After a traffic stop turns violent at the hands of the police, a young Black teen grapples with racism - and what it means for his future. Critically acclaimed author Nic Stone boldly tackles America’s troubled history with race relations in her gripping debut novel.Justyce is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend - but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs without cause.When faced with injustice, 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 and a friend spark the fury of an off-duty cop. Words fly, shots are fired, and the boys get caught in the crosshairs. But in the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.
Critical Analysis:
Stone tells a #blacklives matter story of Justyce McAllister, a young black teen boy who is doing great with his life and gets arrested by a white police officer. Stone showed how Justyce was a good student who was heading for a great future as any normal teenager would but has to fight to get there. The writing puts into perspective the hardships blacks had to and have to go through. The author gives a lot of attention to racism and police brutality within the storyline which puts the reader in the front seat of the experience. This story is written in the third person point of view and alternates with Justyce's letters to Martin Luthur King Jr. Stone did a fantastic job with the storytelling. In my opinion, it was a very good way of incorporating African American history. The character is able to share his unfiltered thoughts and able to really explain his character characteristics. Overall, the novel will leave you heartbroken in the end. The idea of him writing to Martin was my favorite thing about the book. Being able to view the story from an omniscient point of view will make this book worth reading.
Review Excerpt(s):
"Teens, librarians and teachers alike will find this book a godsend...Vivid and powerful." –Booklist, Starred Review
"A visceral portrait of a young man reckoning with the ugly, persistent violence of social injustice."
–Publishers Weekly
Connection:
*The students can write a 3-4 paragraph essay that compares what Justyce is going through to MLK Jr.’s words in the excerpt from the speech.
*The students can make a character analysis on Justyce and answer questions like: Based on this chapter, what is your first impression of Justyce? What are some of his characteristics?
Other similar books:
DEAR JUSTCYE by: Nic Stone ISBN: 978-1984829696
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