Dear Martin by Nic Stone has been widely praised for its compelling, timely exploration of racial issues, with readers appreciating its emotional depth and thought-provoking narrative. However, some critics note that certain character developments and plot points felt underdeveloped. Overall, it's regarded as a powerful and relevant read for both teens and adults.

The ideal reader for Nic Stone’s Dear Martin is a young adult interested in contemporary issues of race, justice, and identity. Fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give or Jason Reynolds’s All American Boys will find this book compelling. It appeals to those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and socially relevant themes.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone follows Justyce McAllister, a 17-year-old Black student at a predominantly white prep school, who confronts identity, racism, and injustice after being wrongfully arrested and experiencing his friend's tragic death. He copes by writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., finding solace and strength in the activist's wisdom. The story emphasizes personal growth and social justice.

Emotional / Challenging / Inspirational / Contemplative / Unnerving

- Dear Martin by Nic Stone was inspired by real-life events and the author's own experiences with systemic racism, including a personal encounter with racial profiling.
- Nic Stone wrote Dear Martin to spark conversations about race and social justice among young adults, making it a popular choice for discussions in schools and book clubs.
- The title, Dear Martin, refers to letters the protagonist writes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.

**Justyce McCallister**  
An African-American senior scholarship student at Braselton Academy, navigating complex societal challenges and personal growth while aspiring to attend an Ivy League college.

**Emmanuel "Manny" Rivers**  
Affluent and confident, Manny is Justyce's best friend who struggles with the racial dynamics of their shared social circles.

**Sarah-Jane "SJ" Friedman**  
A strong-minded and outspoken classmate of Justyce, SJ is deeply aware of racial and social issues and shares a close bond with him.

**Justyce's Mom**  
A single mother who provides tough love and guidance to Justyce, emphasizing resilience in the face of societal challenges.

**Dr. Jarius "Doc" Dray**  
A mixed-race teacher at Braselton Academy admired by Justyce, who fosters open discussions on societal issues in his classroom.

**Jared Christensen**  
A character initially blind to his own privilege, whose perspectives evolve as he faces the consequences of his actions.

**Quan Banks**  
Manny's cousin, whose life is profoundly affected by societal prejudice and who shares a deep-rooted frustration with his circumstances.

**Martel Montgomery**  
The leader of the Black Jihad gang in Justyce's old neighborhood, known for his charisma and ability to inspire others.

**Mr. Julian Rivers and Dr. Tiffany Rivers**  
Manny's affluent and well-respected parents, who embody principles of nonviolence and support social justice initiatives.

Nic Stone

Novel

Dear Martin

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Dear Martin  and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Dear Martin  Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Dear Martin  Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, "September 18"-Chapter 7

Dear Martin  Part 1, "September 18"-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, "December 13"-Chapter 10

Dear Martin  Part 1, "December 13"-Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, "January 19"-Chapter 14

Dear Martin  Part 1, "January 19"-Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, "Transcript from evening news, January 26"-"VP Released for Rabble-Rousing!"

Dear Martin  Part 2, "Transcript from evening news, January 26"-"VP Released for Rabble-Rousing!" Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 19-"Four Months Later" 

Dear Martin  Part 2, Chapter 19-"Four Months Later"  Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Dear Martin  Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Dear Martin  Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Dear Martin  Symbols & Motifs

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citation

Important Quotes

Get ready to explore Dear Martin and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Dear Martin

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Dear Martin ?

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Book Details