Dear Justyce

By: Nic Stone

Narrated by: Dion Graham, Nic Stone

An NPR Best Book of the Year

The stunning sequel to the critically acclaimed, number-one New York Times best seller Dear Martin. An incarcerated teen writes letters to his best friend about his experiences in the American juvenile justice system.

An unflinching look into the tragically flawed practices and silenced voices in the American juvenile justice system.

Vernell LaQuan Banks and Justyce McAllister grew up a block apart in the Southwest Atlanta neighborhood of Wynwood Heights. Years later, though, Justyce walks the illustrious halls of Yale University...and Quan sits behind bars at the Fulton Regional Youth Detention Center.

Through a series of flashbacks, vignettes, and letters to Justyce - the protagonist of Dear Martin - Quan's story takes form. Troubles at home and misunderstandings at school give rise to police encounters and tough decisions. But then there's a dead cop and a weapon with Quan's prints on it. What leads a bright kid down a road to a murder charge? Not even Quan is sure.

©2020 Nic Stone (P)2020 Listening Library

Critic reviews

A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year!

"An unforgettable tour de force of social-justice and activist literature." —Booklist, starred review

"A powerful, raw must-read told through the lens of a Black boy ensnared by our broken criminal justice system.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Stone tackles the American juvenile justice system and its unjust persecution of Black boys in this gritty, powerful sequel to Dear Martin.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Excellent and Inspiring

This story is so tenderly told. Nic has shared such insight into the world experienced by many of today’s youth. I know many Tres. I read this book with my granddaughter and Nic Stone and Jason Reynold’s book have provided bonding for us.

Worth the listen!

Another great Nic Stone book with tremendous narration! Highly recommend listening to this after the audiobook “Dear Martin”.

The relationships

I loved it!!!! I can read it again and again!!!!! Sadly I understand and appreciate the stories. It’s sad that some folks are really going through this , but I pray more people read this book and encourage or help someone who needs like Nic said.

The author's note mirrors my opinion.

I couldn't say it any better than what was expressed in the author's notes I DID forget it was fiction the characters and storyline felt so real! Thanks again Nic Stone👍🏽

amazing story

this will be my favorite read of 2024. this book hits you right in the feels

A great and needed companion to Dear Martin.

my title says it all. you must listen or read this companion novel. It gives a wonderful alternate perspective.

Loved it

Such an important topic to write and talk about. Nic Stone did an amazing job at doing so. Highly recommend this book and the first book in the series “Dear Martin”. Especially if you’re interested in activism, ending institutionalized racism, and Black Lives Matter.

Just Fantastic

All of it. Every part. Fantastic. Do yourself a favor and read Dear Martin AND Dear Justyce.

Support and Belief go a long way

I love the progression of the story and the ending that highlights the actual circumstances

Must Read

If you read ‘Dear Martin’ or even if you haven’t, pick up this book and read it or listen I don’t care but hear the words being said. Nic Stone wrote a powerful book that even she says though fiction feels like nonfiction. Read this, do better, and believe in others. Amazing book