Summary
Dear Martin is a powerful young adult novel marking the debut of Nic Stone. Published in 2017, it tackles contemporary issues of racism and police brutality in America. The story follows Justyce McAllister, a Black honor student who faces injustice and discrimination despite his academic achievements. Stone wrote the novel in response to real-world events, including the 2012 murder of Jordan Davis and the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown. Through Justyce's journey, she explores the ongoing relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings in today’s society.
Dear Martin quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller and received numerous accolades, including being named one of TIME magazine's 100 Best YA Books of All Time.
Plot
In Dear Martin, Justyce McAllister, a high-achieving Black student at an elite prep school in Atlanta, Georgia, finds his world turned upside down when he's wrongfully arrested while trying to help his intoxicated ex-girlfriend. This incident prompts Justyce to begin writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., seeking guidance on how to navigate the racial injustices he faces in modern America.
At Braselton Preparatory Academy, Justyce encounters numerous microaggressions and blatant racism from his peers. His experiences in Mr. Rivers's Societal Evolution class, where heated debates about race and privilege occur, further highlight the deep-rooted prejudices he must confront daily. Justyce's best friend Manny, also Black but from a wealthy background, shares in these struggles, adding complexity to their experiences.
Tensions escalate at a Halloween party where Justyce and Manny face racist provocations, leading to a physical altercation with their classmates. However, the most devastating event occurs when Justyce and Manny are pulled over by an off-duty white police officer while driving and playing loud music. Despite their compliance, the situation tragically ends with Manny being fatally shot.
In the aftermath, Justyce is thrust into a media frenzy and legal battle. He grapples with grief, isolation, and the public scrutiny surrounding the case. Throughout this ordeal, Justyce continues to write to Dr. King, reflecting on his experiences and searching for a way forward. The novel concludes with Justyce deciding to attend Yale, demonstrating his determination to pursue his goals despite the societal obstacles he faces.
Themes
Racial profiling and police brutality
Systemic racism in American society
Identity formation and self-discovery
The relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings today
Media portrayal and public perception of Black youth
Friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity
Education as a means of empowerment and social mobility
Setting
Dear Martin is set in contemporary Atlanta, Georgia, reflecting the racial tensions and social dynamics of early 21st-century America. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a nation grappling with issues of police brutality, systemic racism, and the ongoing struggle for equality, mirroring real-world events that have sparked national conversations and protests.
The primary setting is Braselton Preparatory Academy, an elite, predominantly white high school where the protagonist, Justyce McAllister, is a student. This educational environment serves as a microcosm of broader societal issues, highlighting the complexities of race relations in ostensibly progressive institutions. The contrast between Justyce's experiences at Braselton Prep and his interactions in his former neighborhood underscores the intersectionality of race and class in modern America.
Beyond the school, the novel explores various locations in Atlanta, from affluent suburbs to less privileged areas, providing a comprehensive view of the city's diverse socioeconomic landscape. These settings, including streets where police encounters occur and courtrooms where justice is debated, become stages for the unfolding drama of Justyce's journey, illustrating how physical spaces can both reflect and shape the experiences of young Black Americans navigating a world still marked by racism.
Characters
Justyce McAllister: The protagonist, a 17-year-old African American honor student at Braselton Preparatory Academy. Justyce grapples with racial injustice and writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he navigates complex social issues. He is intelligent, introspective, and determined to make sense of the world around him.
Emmanuel “Manny” Rivers: Justyce's best friend, also African American but from a wealthy background. Manny struggles with his identity as a privileged Black student in a predominantly white school. He becomes a victim of police violence, which deeply affects Justyce.
Sarah-Jane “SJ” Friedman: Justyce's debate partner and eventual love interest. SJ is Jewish and provides support and understanding to Justyce throughout his struggles. She challenges him intellectually and helps him process his experiences.
Jared Christensen: A white classmate who often expresses racist views during class discussions. Jared represents the privileged perspective that denies systemic racism, creating tension with Justyce.
Mr. Rivers: The Societal Evolution teacher who facilitates debates on race and privilege. He plays a crucial role in exposing the various perspectives on racial issues within the school.
Melo: Justyce's ex-girlfriend, whose intoxicated state leads to his wrongful arrest at the beginning of the novel. This incident serves as a catalyst for Justyce's journey.
Mrs. McAllister: Justyce's mother, who works hard to provide for him. She supports Justyce's academic pursuits and is concerned for his safety.
Quick facts
Dear Martin was inspired by real-life events, including the 2012 murder of Jordan Davis and the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown.
Nic Stone wrote the first draft of the novel in just eight weeks.
The main character, Justyce, a Black honor student, writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a way to process his experiences with racism and injustice.
Dear Martin is Stone's debut novel and became a #1 New York Times bestseller.
The novel tackles issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and systemic racism in America.
The novel's raw and captivating narrative has drawn comparisons to the works of acclaimed authors Jason Reynolds and Walter Dean Myers.
Dear Martin has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Turkish, and Indonesian.
The novel has faced controversy and has been banned or challenged in some school districts in Georgia and Missouri.
Stone wrote a sequel called Dear Justyce, published in 2020, which focuses on an incarcerated teen named Quan.
Dear Martin was a finalist for the 2018 William C. Morris Debut YA Award.
The novel made the American Library Association's Top Ten lists for both Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults and Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
Dear Martin was named one of TIME magazine's 100 Best YA Books of All Time.
About the Author
Nic Stone (born Andrea Nicole Livingstone in 1985) is an American author of young adult and middle grade fiction. Her debut novel Dear Martin, published in 2017, catapulted her into the literary spotlight. The book, which addresses racial profiling and police brutality, was inspired by the 2012 murder of Jordan Davis and the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown. Dear Martin became a #1 New York Times bestseller, has been translated into multiple languages, and was named one of TIME magazine's 100 Best YA Books of All Time.
Born in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, Stone grew up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds. After graduating from Spelman College with a degree in Psychology, she worked in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Her subsequent books, including Odd One Out (2018), Jackpot (2019), and Clean Getaway (2020), reflect her commitment to bringing diverse voices to her work while exploring themes of identity and social justice. She continued the story of Dear Martin with two sequels, Dear Justyce (2020) and Dear Manny (2025).
In addition to her solo projects, Stone has collaborated with other authors on works such as Blackout and How to Be a (Young) Antiracist. She has also ventured into the Marvel universe, writing a series of novels focused on the character Shuri from Black Panther. Her versatility as an author is further demonstrated by her involvement in essay writing, short fiction, and even hosting a podcast series for Marvel and Sirius XM. Stone lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons.
