Dear Martin

Dear Martin by Nic Stone was originally published in 2017. It is a work of realistic fiction that provides a frank depiction of identity, racism, and adolescence in contemporary America. The New York Times bestseller also gained attention when it was named as a finalist for the William C. Morris Award. Stone's other well-known works include Dear Justyce (2020) and Fast Pitch (2021).

This guide uses the paperback version of the novel, published by the Ember imprint by Random House Children's Books.

Plot Summary

The novel follows Justyce McAllister, a 17-year-old ambitious student who struggles with being Black, with a difficult family background, in a predominantly white prep school. Despite his different identity, he integrates well into Braselton Prep, becoming especially close with a fellow Black student, Emmanuel "Manny" Rivers. Justyce’s life is suddenly upended when he is wrongfully arrested for a crime based on his race. When his community villainizes him, he copes with his status as a scapegoat by reading and responding to old letters written by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His connection with the famous activist provides the necessary therapy for moving on.

Dear Martin begins days before Justyce’s arrest.