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, #1 New York Times bestseller 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.

"A powerful, raw, must-read told through the lens of a Black boy ensnared by our broken criminal justice system." -Kirkus, Starred Review

Critic reviews

Praise for DEAR JUSTYCE:

An NPR Best Book of the Year!
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

"This book expands the conversation about systemic racism to include young men of color who don’t fit the demands of respectability politics.... A nuanced perspective on the juvenile justice system." —SLJ

“[An] emotionally intense follow-up to the William C. Morris Debut Award finalist Dear Martin.” —Shelf Awareness

“Teens can relate to the feelings of alienation, loneliness, and confusion that lead Quan to make many of the choices that he does, even as the book explores the various ways our current justice system disenfranchises young people of color.” —The Horn Book

“[This] layered, painfully timely sequel about racism, police brutality, and incarceration will hit you hard.” —Hello Giggles

Praise for DEAR MARTIN:

"Powerful, wrenching." —John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Turtles All the Way Down

"Absolutely incredible, honest, gut-wrenching. A must read!" —Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give

"Raw and gripping." —Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author of Long Way Down

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