- Thursday, June 23, 2022
Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.
In Nic Stone's widely acclaimed Dear Martin, Justyce is a Black teen who is ivy school-bound, a good friend, and always tries to do the right thing. Going to a predominately white, upper-class school, however, poses difficulties that lead to Justyce trying to make sense of the injustices that he regularly witnesses. From a Black teen being fatally shot by a police officer to his white classmates making racist remarks, he takes these instances and begins writing a journal to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in hopes of answers and solutions.
While innocently riding in a car with one of his friends, the two verbally collide with a cop who quickly shoots and injures Justyce and fatally shoots his friend. Despite Justyce's innocence, he is then put in handcuffs and verbally attacked by the local media and others in his community.
Recommended by Jocelyn Tran | Children’s Librarian I Richland Library North Main
Guidelines for Discussion
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Be open and honest--even when it's hard.
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Understand your own prejudice and bias.
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Embrace other cultures or races by reading books, watching movies and going to community events.
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Celebrate yourself and your own cultural identity.
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Don't shy away from conversations about race. Talking is how you build capacity for anti-racism.
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Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them.
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It's okay not to know the answer. Look for it together.
Adapted from the Embrace Race and MomsRisings' 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race and Richland Library's Let's Talk Race team.
Questions for Conversation
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The opening scene shows Justyce trying to get his ex-girlfriend, Melo, home safely. She is biracial and, as readers find out, she is perceived as white based on her complexion. Justyce is confronted and attacked by Officer Castillo. Do you think that he would have attacked Justyce if he thought that Melo was not white? Why or why not?
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Justyce writes letters to Martin (Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) to make sense of his feelings about The Incident. He recalls what happened to Shemar Carson in Nevada. He realizes that his good character does not make him “exempt from the stuff THOSE black guys deal with.” How has The Incident changed Justyce?
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Why do you think the letters to Dr. King are an effective medium for Justyce?
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What do you think of his words, and what points from this speech can you relate to the book and/or America right now?
- Bruises remain a week after The Incident. “Sometimes [Justyce] thinks they’ll never fade.” Do you think this is meant literally? If not, what does it mean?
- How does Justyce handle the news that the officer who killed Shemar Carson was not indicted? What are your thoughts about similar situations involving Tamir Rice (who was playing with a toy gun in the park), Breonna Taylor (who was sleeping in her apartment when she was killed by police), or Trayvon Martin (who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman for walking down the street while wearing a hoodie)?
- Dr. “Doc” Dray, Justyce and Manny’s debate teacher, puts the words “all men are created equal” on the board. What are your thoughts about these words, and are these words true? Why or why not?
- In one letter to Martin, Justyce recalls a conversation he had with his mother. She asks, “You ever consider that maybe you are not supposed to ‘fit’? People who make history rarely do.” Discuss this statement. What other realizations does Justyce have as he processes his mother’s words?
- Reflect on Justyce’s and the “Equality Brigade[’s]” choice to wear costumes representing different stereotypes to the Halloween party. What were your thoughts about the costumes, and can you think of a time when you experienced a similar situation? How did you react?
- Why do you think the author used only three words for chapter 14: BANG BANG BANG? What effect does this have?
- Respond to Quan’s question: “Why try to do right if people will always look at me and assume wrong?” Why did Quan ask this? Why do you think Justyce chooses not to openly disagree with him? What are your thoughts about Quan's question and thoughts about the Black Man's Curse?"
- Reflect on this comment from Doc as he, Justyce, and SJ respond to the news that characterizes Manny and Justyce as thugs: “They need to believe you’re a bad guy who got what he deserved in order for their world to keep spinning the way it always has.”. How does this statement and idea fit into our society? Can you share examples?
- Why do you think Nic Stone chose to title the book Dear Martin and not Dear Malcolm or Dear Angela (Davis)? Who would you choose to write to?
- Are there any activists that you currently look up to?
- Dear Martin was removed from a Georgia County School District supplemental reading list in 2019, and there was a lot of controversy surrounding the decision. What are your thoughts about the decision to censor this book, and what are your thoughts about censorship, in general?
- After reading this book and discussing it, what are you inspired to do? What actions can you take to make your school and community more antiracist?
These discussion questions were adapted from the Random House Discussion Guide of Dear Martin.
Want to continue the conversation? Need more resources about race?
Take a look at the following blog posts and booklists to learn about author Nic Stone, Dear Martin and more:
- Introducing: Nic Stone
- Book Talk: Dear Martin
- Books for Fans of Nic Stone
- #OwnVoices: Black Pain & Black Joy
- #OwnVoices: Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
Also, check out our Understanding Race, Equity and Inclusion resource for more books, podcasts, events and information.