Nic Stone is brilliant in exposing privilege and giving pointed ways in which to improve upon it. Quan is in jail for a crime he did not commit, but because of his race, he isn't given proper care in the handling of his case. Much like Justyce finding his way in the world, Quan seeks affirmation in Justyce and an unbreakable bond forms.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random Children’s House for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok, I’m going to try to put into words how I feel about this book. That is going to be hard to do because this is possibly one of hardest yet most engaging books I have read all year. So I don’t know if I can properly do this book justice but I do know it deserves my best attempt. This isn’t a book based during the time of the civil rights movement at least not the one in the 50’s or 60’s, it takes place today in our present day reality. Stone gives voice to those who are too often unheard because of their skin color, economic status, education, lack of support and legal representation. Forcing us to think about the systems where kids, despite doing everything in their power to follow the rules and structures set before them, still fail because the system continues to remove everything that they may need to continue on a path to success. Due to systemic racism many kids who need more help or support than others will be discarded and considered a lost cause from the start.

Quan experienced all of that and more. Though many would say his path was predetermined they would be wrong. Here is a young man that wasn’t born to be a member of a gang and eventually incarcerated. Nor did he plan or understand that he struggles with PTSD from his father's arrest. His mother remarried an abusive man, making him the protector to his younger siblings. But once his stepfather is no longer an issue he is faced with a debt that he can never repay. In that moment Quan’s life, the one he had little control over, completely stops being his own and belongs to the gang that now owns him. After an officer is shot, Quan is arrested but he enters a plea of not guilty. But will that make any difference for this black, gang member. Maybe in this case Justyce will prevail.

The most revealing and sad truth about this fictional story is that it is true for so many young men of color. But so many do not have a Justyce by their side. Dear Justyce is a book that should spur us all into further action for all of the kids whose ending will not be okay if we continue to turn a blind eye. As children they shouldn’t have to rely on a system that doesn’t see their excellence. This is by far one of the best books I have read this year and I highly recommend. Although this isn’t a title I can purchase for my middle school library as an active librarian I will ensure it is purchased at my public library. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Don't miss author Nic Stone's latest title following characters already introduced. Strongly drawn and realistic portrayal of timely social justice challenges within a community.

Excellent! I loved Dear Martin so had high expectations and this did not disappoint. Characters were well developed.

“Dear Justyce” is a heartbreaking but hopeful novel that should be required reading for every educator in America. I know Quan: I see him in the hallways of my school, I see him in the seats of my classroom; today I saw him on the front page of my local newspaper.
.
Quan and Justyce are friends who bonded one night after they both found shelter away from their homes on a local playground. Justyce, the Ivy League protagonist of “Dear Martin,” is writing to his old friend Quan, who should also be in college, but is instead behind bars at a youth detention center.

Through flashbacks and letters, we learn that Quan is a smart kid who never had the opportunity to flourish due to institutional forces beyond his control.. There were many moments that make me cringe at the adults who should have helped Quan, but none more than a substitute teacher who accused Quan of cheating, catapulting Quan’s journey on the school-to-prison pipeline.

Overall, this novel makes me question my own educational practices and assumptions and I will share with every educator I know. Quan and every student deserves so much better from us and I’m thankful to Nic Stone for shining a light on the children whose stories often go untold.

When I found out Dear Martin would have a sequel, I knew I would have to read it the moment it was released, especially master realizing it would come from Quan’s perspective.

What really makes this book powerful is the note at the very start where Nic Stone tells us the inspiration behind Dear Justyce: a conversation with readers who wanted a second story written about them. People who don’t have lives like Justyce where their future is mapped out for them. Reading the book with that in mind makes it much more powerful, and reminds us all of the importance of stories and representation.

If you enjoyed Dear Martin, I can’t imagine you wouldn’t enjoy Dear Justyce. In this sequel, we learn about Quan’s childhood and the events that got him in prison, as well as his experience in the American prison system. All of this is shown through flashbacks of Quan’s experience and his present-day letters to Justyce.

My favorite parts were learning more about Quan’s past and all of the events that shaped his choices. I’m still not a fan of the technique Stone uses where dialogue is written out in the same format as a play or script, but I also realize that this helps move the story along and could be more enjoyable to younger readers.

Overall, I recommend this story to everyone who loves Stone’s writing. I still haven’t decided if I enjoyed Dear Martin or Dear Justyce more; they’re both just that good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So I could write a review for this book, but it would never give it justice. So instead I am going to share a conversation from the authors note. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

D: I’ve been thinking…maybe, just maybe you should make a book about us.
Z: Yesss.
Me: Tell me more.
D: We don’t go to good colleges. We don’t have a perfect family like everybody else.
Z: That’s facts.
D: Honestly, we don’t even know if we’ll live past the age of 18.
Z: This stuff me and D go through every day.
D: You probably can’t put it all in a book…but mannnn.
Z: And we got family and friends locked up and everything.
D: I know people will listen. You’re our voice.

This conversation is what led Nic Stone to write this sequel to Dear Martin, and I am so glad she did. If you haven’t read Dear Martin, order it now. You should also just order Dear Justyce while you are it because you will fly through both.

Nic Stone does it again. This is an incredibly powerful story. Despite being fictionalized it feels so real.

I read Dear Martin when it first came out and was very impressed with the emotion and how the book enlightened my thinking about police brutality and the injustice that people of color have to endure. Dear Justyce was a step up above which I didn't know was possible. Nic Stone takes you into the life of Justyce, into the shadows of the life of a boy and young man who deals with the overwhelming challenges of being a young person of color in today's America. I read this book in less than 24 hours since I opened the first page. It is that good and enrapturing. It is not an easy read in terms of making you see things from a different perspective. Nic Stone does a great job of building the character of Justyce through flashbacks and his own writings. My only complaint is that I wish this book were longer, but it might lose some of the impact. I would love to introduce this book and its predecessor into an English classroom. I think middle school students would love this book, but there is some language that parents might object to. Overall, I'm so glad I got a chance to read this treasure.

I received a digital arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Justyce follows the story of Quan, Justyce's childhood best friend, who is incarcerated for murder. He writes letters to Justyce about what life is like in the American prison system. Through flashbacks, we get to see his childhood and the events that led up to his incarceration. Later on in the book, we get to see some more of Justyce's point of view as he tries to reach out to his friend and help him.

I was so excited to get my hands on Dear Justyce! I love Nic Stone as a person and while I haven't had a chance to get to many of her other books yet, I have read Dear Martin and enjoyed it.

I loved that this book is about Quan, a boy who while sharing many commonalities with Justyce, has ended up with a very different life than him. We got to see the point of view of someone who the system has thoroughly failed and at the beginning of the book, feels like he has no one to support him. Quan's story is absolutely heartbreaking, especially knowing how much of a reality his situation is for many Americans. But it also ended in a way that made my heart warm and fuzzy.

My only real issues with the book were with some of the writing, but it really didn't affect my experience that much. I didn't care for how some of the words were written spaced in different ways and on different lines (I don't really know how to describe it), but I think it would've been way easier to digest in a physical book format.

An emotional roller-coaster of a story that draws attention to very real issues in our country. I definitely recommend both of the books in the Dear Martin series to anyone and everyone! 4.25/5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and may not reflect the views of the author, publisher, or distributor.

Nice Stone, you beautiful person.

This book killed me, then brought me back to life. I thought Dear Martin was an explosive little volume, but Dear Justyce has just as much power and punch. Sequels to books that feel like standalones don’t usually get an excited scramble of a reception, but this book manages to be more than just a continuation of a story. It presents a brand new side with a character that serves as a foil to the circumstances presented in its predecessor.

Quan grew up alongside Justyce, in the same neighborhood, same skin color, same gender. So how did their stories diverge so wildly? From within a prison cell, Quan writes to Justyce, telling him about his life and the wall of obstacles that formed the muddy slope which dragged him backward into places he never dreamed he’d end up. Like in a “family” on the violent side. Like pleading guilty to a crime he didn’t commit. Like in prison.

Quan’s voice is a timely one. How fitting that his story comes onto the publishing scene merely months after the Black Lives Matter protests have sparked the second Civil Rights movement into flames. Circumstances are not always kind. Choices made do not always reflect on the nature of a person’s heart. Skin color does not ever make someone “bound” for a certain outcome in life. Quan is a reflection of the many incarcerated young men across America who need nothing more than a supportive hand and a kind word to realize there’s someone out there who will stand by them and help them succeed. Honestly, this book makes me want to start a creative writing/reading group for incarcerated youth.

I don’t want to go into big details, because it’s worth every ounce of surprise to go into this without knowing much of how the knots present themselves, so let’s call it here for now. Other YA authors, take note. Not every book needs a sequel if you wrap things up nicely, but if you do write one, write it like Stone.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

In October 2017 I reviewed an ARC of a book titled Dear Martin from Netgalley, and wrote the following:

“My first reaction to this book is simply wow; I believe every student, teacher, and parent needs to read this impactful story. As a middle-aged white female, I needed to read about the experiences of Justyce and his friend Manny. I needed to hear the conversations about race and bias in Doc’s classroom. I needed to see the frustration and hope through the eyes of SJ (Sarah Jane), Justyce’s friend, and eventual girlfriend. I needed to be reminded that everyone has bias and to reflect on my own and have those conversations with my children and my students. We know reading builds understanding and empathy and Dear Martin helps with both.”

It’s almost 3 years later and I could probably write the same beginning for my review of Dear Justyce. Books help us understand and experience something we may never be able to in our own life. This is a book we all need to read and discuss.

In Dear Justyce by Nic Stone, we are reintroduced to Vernell LaQuan Banks, otherwise know as Quan. Quan and Justyce grew up a few blocks from one another and both placed in advance classes in elementary and middle school, but their lives went in two different directions after that. Justyce ends up at college prep boarding school with an optimistic future and Quan ends up keeping the books for a local gang leader.

We meet Quan again as he is in the juvenile detention center awaiting trial for murdering a police officer. He begins writing letters to his childhood friend and Justyce at the suggestion of Doc who is serving as his tutor. Through these letters and flashbacks we learn about Quan’s history, the prejudices and struggles he’s faced, and the numerous flaws in our criminal justice system.

If you enjoyed Dear Martin, you don’t want to miss this title and if you have not read it, don’t worry Dear Justyce can stand on its own. Be sure to get this title as soon as you can.

NetGalley ARC | I absolutely loved Dear Martin. Dear Justyce is its sequel, but you don't have to read the first in the series to pick up this one (although I definitely would!).

Nic Stone is amazing online -- Instagram -- and in her novels. In Dear Justyce, Quan asks the question: how did he and Justyce turn out so differently as Black teenagers growing up in America. Justyce is going to college while Quan sits in jail for a crime we are not sure he committed.

Even with a new legal team fighting for Quan's freedom in the juvenile (in)justice system–if he ever gets out–how can Quan move forward in a system determined to keep him down?

A powerful and relevant book today, watch the racist policies that Ibram X. Kendi and documentaries like 13th discuss. Quan is entangled in a deeply broken system that seems nearly possible to escape. How can we dismantle the current (in)justice system?

You can find my full review on The Uncorked Librarian here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/september-2020-book-releases/

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for providing me with a free advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I wanted to love this book. And I did for about 65%. After that, I just lost interest. Also, the dialogue had a forced feel to me.

What was the last book you read in one sitting? For me, it was Dear Justyce. I’m glad Nic Stone decided to write this book because dreams do not always come true for kids. Sometimes life circumstances lead them down the wrong path where they have to decide between survival, providing for their family, or their education. And at times that choice leads to treacherous paths. While Justyce’s path led him to a better life, Quan’s did not. Dear Justyce allows us to explore Quan’s upbringing and life through letters he sends to Justyce. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

Thank you NetGalley and Crown/Penguin Random House for my gifted copy #partner . Dear Justyce is out September 29th! Be sure to preorder your copy!

I read Dear Martin when it was a nominee for our South Carolina Young Adult Book Awards, and I'm still recommending it to students as a powerful, quick read. I had no idea that this sequel was coming out until I saw it on NetGalley. Justyce's story is heartbreaking, but Quan's story is even more so. Books like this are valuable for readers of all races so they can gain empathy for the difficult choices that lead someone to a place they never wanted to be. Nic Stone's storytelling is engaging, and the epistolary sections flow smoothly in with the 3rd person sections. This novel will appeal to everyone who loved Dear Martin, and maybe even appeal to an even wider audience, like the boys mentioned in the "Dear Reader" letter at the beginning.

This book! This book! This book! It's a must read for every person who wants to understand others, who wants to improve their understanding of others, so basically everyone NEEDS to read this! Dear Justyce fulfilled my expectations and beyond. This book confronts the racism we see in the world while also connecting you to characters that you want to fight for, to love. I know I won't do this book justice in my review, since it pretty much left me speechless and reflective. We met Quan in Dear Martin but find out more of his story and how Justyce and him are connected. Throughout the book, Quan writes letters to Justyce to help him process his life while allowing us to understand him better. I cannot stress enough that you must read this book!

Nic Stone does it again. The raw, real, heartbreaking story of Dear Justyce is a must read for everyone. (Not just middle grade, everyone).

Let me preface this and say I am a white passing person, so I have not and most likely never have to deal with any of the injustices and blatant racism Quan faces. I will never fully understand or can act like I do. What I can do is understand how realistic this story is and continue to educate myself and family in order for stories like Quan’s to be only a work of fiction in the future.

Stone truly captures Quan for what he is: a child. As he writes Justyce, he talks about Lemony Snicket and writes about his life in an adolescent way. It really dragged me back to reality that this is a child incarcerated, not a grown adult. A child awaiting trial for over 2 years, with no trial date, wasting away in the system that is quick to arrest, slow to convict, even with a lack of evidence.

I’ve always said I loved when different mediums are used to tell the story. Dear Justyce is told though flashbacks and also letters to Justyce. The letters are a perfect way to fill in the gaps while not losing the beauty of storytelling.

I don’t want to give away too much. Just know. Buy this, pick this up. Read it. Know it. Get pissed off and do something about it. Also, remember: Not everyone has resources and power in their corner. Not everyone gets the happy ending they deserve when society has failed them in the first place.

This was simply written on such a difficult topic that I commend Stone for writing another book that makes the reader truly sit back and think after the last page has turned.

Thank you NetGalley, Get Underlined, & Random House Children’s for my gifted copy. This is out September 29th.

Quan and Justyce are the most unlikely of friends, yet their story is beyond powerful. It is told through flashbacks, letters, and narratives of the present situation, which make it completely engaging. Through the snapshots we develop an understanding of how Quan ended up in the situation he is in. Though Quan's life circumstances definitely affect him, they do not define him. He struggles with doing what he believes is necessary to help those around him, while doing what he must do to rise above the injustice he encounters because of who he is. Through the tenacity of Justyce, Quan, and a team of others, they work to overcome the prejudices that Quan faces because he is a young African American.

Wow. Such a powerful novel. Seeing the world through the eyes of a young black boy going through the world of prison and realizing how unfair the world and the justice system are to young black males was a real punch in the gut.