mariemurph33's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
thetravelingbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book! It’s definitely an emotional
rollercoaster, but so worth the tears and tension it causes me lol I really love the symbolism of the playground and how it represented lost hope, and no escape for Quan. I also love how Stone really drilled in the concept of having encouragement and support for young Black men. Black children need this and they need to know that they have options or else, how would they know they can have more and be more than what society is telling them is possible? This is why I really love Doc both in “Dear Martin” and in “Dear Justyce”. I feel like his character was much needed as he was this balance that created a bridge between hopelessness and bravery. Overall, this book is a 10 out of 10 for me, and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Growing up only yards apart in an Atlanta suburb LaQuan and Justyce has a similar perspective on life. However Justyce wised up and is now a student at Yale but LaQuan is facing a murder charge and is locked up. Through a series of letters LaQuan's journey to where is he is examined, but can things change before it becomes too late?
This is a strong YA novel which illustrates life in the 'hood and the pressures on young African American males. Stone takes a series of life cliches (absent father in jail, domestic violence, poverty etc) and shows how it is easy for young boys to be lost into a society that does them no favours.
This is a strong YA novel which illustrates life in the 'hood and the pressures on young African American males. Stone takes a series of life cliches (absent father in jail, domestic violence, poverty etc) and shows how it is easy for young boys to be lost into a society that does them no favours.
alli_always_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
wombat_88's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mrspenningalovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my stars, this book. Stone captured my heart and my mind with Dear Martin, but this book is even more thought-provoking and heartfelt. It shows the importance of building others up and being a role model for others. Everyone needs a cheerleader in their life. I highly recommend reading this book! It’s the perfect sequel to her first book, showing the true injustices and issues of many inner-city children, but especially black young men. Loved it.
nicolesottiriou's review against another edition
4.0
Parts of the plot feel really far fetched, especially the part with Doc voluntarily tutoring gang members without pay twice a week from now into eternity just so Quan can be cut loose, but it could just be me being naive. Great read about injustice and incarceration in the U.S. Wish there were more YA nonfiction books about the subject.
kaerene's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed Dear Justyce. It took me a minute to remember the characters and the story/situation as I read Dear Martin last year and apparently remembered none of it as I’m pretty sure I sped read it in one setting. ANYWAY! Unlike last year, I enjoyed the switch from third to first person as it really helped the story along. I liked reading Quan’s letters and then learning about his history and the life events that led him in his journey throughout the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Domestic abuse, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Police brutality
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Child abuse, Confinement, Gun violence, and Abandonment
sunflowerjess's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this even more than Dear Martin.
ayreana's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0