Dear Martin - Nic Stone May 2026

Are you interested in a or a deeper look into the sequels ? Exploring Racism and Identity in "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone

Justyce finds himself between two worlds—his affluent school and his home neighborhood—feeling like he doesn't fully fit in either. Dear Martin - Nic Stone

Originally written as a standalone debut, the book has expanded into a trilogy: Are you interested in a or a deeper look into the sequels

is a critically acclaimed young adult novel by Nic Stone, published in 2017. It explores the life of Justyce McAllister, a high-achieving Black teenager who grapples with systemic racism and police brutality in contemporary America. Core Premise and Plot It explores the life of Justyce McAllister, a

Stone illustrates how prejudice exists not just in overt acts of violence, but in the "invisible backpacks" of assumptions held by classmates and teachers.

Justyce McAllister is an honor student at a predominantly white preparatory school, headed for the Ivy League. His life changes abruptly when he is racially profiled and violently arrested by a police officer while trying to help his ex-girlfriend. To process his trauma and the injustices he sees, Justyce begins writing a series of letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., questioning if King’s non-violent teachings are still applicable in the modern world. The novel serves as a commentary on several social issues:

The novel was a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut YA Award and the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award .