Dear - Martin - Nic Stone

Originally written as a standalone debut, the book has expanded into a trilogy:

is a critically acclaimed young adult novel by Nic Stone, published in 2017. It explores the life of Justyce McAllister, a high-achieving Black teenager who grapples with systemic racism and police brutality in contemporary America. Core Premise and Plot

A sequel focusing on Quan, an incarcerated teen who writes letters to Justyce from a youth detention center. Dear Manny (2025): The final installment in the trilogy. Impact and Awards Bestseller Status: It is a #1 New York Times bestseller. Dear Martin - Nic Stone

Justyce McAllister is an honor student at a predominantly white preparatory school, headed for the Ivy League. His life changes abruptly when he is racially profiled and violently arrested by a police officer while trying to help his ex-girlfriend. To process his trauma and the injustices he sees, Justyce begins writing a series of letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., questioning if King’s non-violent teachings are still applicable in the modern world. The novel serves as a commentary on several social issues:

It was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time . Originally written as a standalone debut, the book

Justyce finds himself between two worlds—his affluent school and his home neighborhood—feeling like he doesn't fully fit in either.

The original story of Justyce McAllister. Dear Manny (2025): The final installment in the trilogy

Justyce's white peers often struggle to recognize their own socioeconomic advantages, leading to dismissive attitudes toward racial inequality.