Book Review: Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

Book: 174

Rating: 4.5/5

After Quan enters a not guilty plea for the shooting death of a police officer, he is placed in a holding cell to await his trial. Through flashbacks and letters to Justyce (the main character from Dear Martin) Quan's story unravels.

Dear Justyce is an incredible follow-up to Dear Martin, In Nic Stone's author's note at the beginning of the book, she shares that it was suggested to her by some friends that while Justyce's story may be impactful, it's not necessarily a story that is relatable to many young Black men. Justyce gets support from his teacher, friends, and is at the top of his class. He has an Ive League degree ahead of him.

Things aren't the same for Quan, even though he and Justyce have a lot in common (they go to the same school, grew up in the same neighbourhood) but have different futures. Quan tries to work hard and succeed, but was discouraged by those around him.

I've been sitting here trying to write a review for a while now, and I just can't. Just trust me when I say to read this book. YA (young adult) literature can be so powerful, and this is no exception.