It's been awhile since I read Dear Martin, but that didn't hinder me from falling into this story. Quan and Justyce are both bright kids who meet during elementary school. Quan's parents aren't together and his mom is with an abusive partner. Quan's dad becomes incarcerated. And Quan needs someone who believes in him and his losing those people at a rapid pace for a variety of reasons. Quan is arrested once, twice, and becomes a part of Martel's operations, dealing arms and having some strict requirements for being part of an organization. When a police stop at a birthday party goes sideways, Quan finds himself in jail again. However, a community of support starts to gather around him and that changes his trajectory.
Letters and snapshots intersperse Quan's narrative that broaden the story and offer additional insight. A compelling read. ( )

This is the sequel to the book "Dear Martin." You must read Nic Stone's message explaining how and why she came to write this 2nd book. Powerful and honest.

This is a riveting story that revolves around Quan, a character introduced in Stone's Dear Martin prequel, who has been accused of a crime he firmly believes he did not commit. Unlike his childhood friend Justyce, the protagonist of Dear Martin and a current pre-law student at Yale, Quan is flawed and imperfect. This book explores their relationship through letters while Quan is incarcerated. ( )

While most sequels fail to live up, this one breaks the mold!

Having read, 'Dear Martin', the story of Justyce, a young black male who writes to MLK as a means to cope with racial issues, 'Dear Justyce' picks up where it left off. Nic Stone has a lyrical writing style and knows the racial injustice territory well. We meet Quan, one of Justyce's neighborhood 'home boys' in the first book. Years later Justyce is at Yale law school and the recipient of Quan's letters. Ms. Stone mentions in the epilogue that she'd spent time with incarcerated kids like Quan so the character isn't 100% fictional. Regardless the redemption theme bears a slight resemblance to 'Just Mercy', a non-fiction story and movie. Great storytellers engage the reader by appealing to their humanity, passion and conscience. With today's climate of division, stories like these are important. Paced well, with appealing characters and plot elements, this is a highly recommended book! ( )

4.5 Stars

Well it's a long time since I have read a book where I was as teary eyed as I was in this incredibly well written and moving story.

It just hit me right in the heart because it was about a young person who didn't feel worthy of the love, support and belief of those who were fighting for justice and for his future. Quan had been let down so many time throughout his life. It was painful to read about how Quan's options closed down around him forcing him towards the only type of 'family' that gave him a sense of belonging. Unfortunately this family was involved in criminal activity and all members were expected to participate. I loved the hopeful elements of the story but appreciated that Nic commented at the end that this level of support wouldn't realistically be available for most young black teens who end up in trouble with the law whether they are innocent or not. I loved Dear Martin and this was an excellent sequel. ( )