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ludivinev's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
kdegroote905's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
stacias99's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really thought-provoking read. It's interesting to me to see another perspective on real-life events (this book reminds me of events surrounding ). I thought the main character's voice was authentic, questioning and thoughtful. I'm glad I read this.
Spoiler
Jordan Davisjessbemindingmybusiness's review against another edition
4.0
Very good. I loved the way the point of view changes throughout the novel.
kimbongiorno's review against another edition
5.0
I was a very quiet kid, someone who watched and listened, tried to understand why people were the way they were, made the choices they did—good and bad. To this day, when I happen to see a photo of someone who stood up so faithfully for what they believed in, clinging to the hope that things could improve if they just kept chipping away with their voice and actions, I reflexively place my hand on their image as if it could somehow connect me to them. As if it could somehow tug me closer to understanding how they persevered. As if it could somehow allow them to give me advice on what was stirring in my heart as I watched and listened to the world around me.
In this novel, Justyce McAllister—a bright, motivated, top-of-his class student—takes it one step further. As he navigates a contemporary Atlanta where he is still seen more for the color of his skin than the content of his character, he regularly writes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a journal, hoping that it will help him put Dr. King’s teachings into practice in order to manage everything that’s thrown at him.
I don’t want to give away the exact situations he faces, but I will say this: there is a safety in fiction that allows us to witness and begin to understand the harder stories and truths we flinch from in real life. Books like this get important views considered, get important conversations started. As a white person, I needed to get to know Justyce, for I’ve never been in his shoes, and the fact is that his fictional shoes are worn by millions today. As a mother to white children, I needed to own this book in order to place it into my kids’ hands and ensure the messages inside it are nailed home. Over and over again, until things do get better.
I highly recommend this book, and hope it gets into as many hands and hearts as possible.
In this novel, Justyce McAllister—a bright, motivated, top-of-his class student—takes it one step further. As he navigates a contemporary Atlanta where he is still seen more for the color of his skin than the content of his character, he regularly writes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a journal, hoping that it will help him put Dr. King’s teachings into practice in order to manage everything that’s thrown at him.
I don’t want to give away the exact situations he faces, but I will say this: there is a safety in fiction that allows us to witness and begin to understand the harder stories and truths we flinch from in real life. Books like this get important views considered, get important conversations started. As a white person, I needed to get to know Justyce, for I’ve never been in his shoes, and the fact is that his fictional shoes are worn by millions today. As a mother to white children, I needed to own this book in order to place it into my kids’ hands and ensure the messages inside it are nailed home. Over and over again, until things do get better.
I highly recommend this book, and hope it gets into as many hands and hearts as possible.
jholbrook113's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-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
4.0
Dear Martin was a book that was enjoyable to read. It really was able to bring history into a modern context. It follows the story of Justyce and showcases the different instances oif his life as he navigates his teenage years within Atlanta. The book contains letters that Justyce writes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Justyce discusses the current social state and the issue of social injustice throughout the United States. Justyce explains how he tries to model the way he lives his life in a manner that reflects King. This book heavily focuses on social justice so for those looking to explore that area of literature, this is a great book for that. Overall, this book is a strong read for anyone who is looking to bring history and connect it with modern times.
chazzychat's review against another edition
3.0
For such a heavy story there was nothing thrilling about it. It lulled along with sudden blast of action. I found myself reading to just get to the end; hoping something entertaining would happen. While the story is important and could very well happen in real life — the letters to Martin never quite resonated to me. While some YA are great cross-overs for adults I wouldn’t say this is one of clamor to read. If I read the follow-up (Dear Justyce) it’d be out of curiosity — to see if the story-telling improved and to finish the series. I really wanted to like this
fran_bielar's review against another edition
2.0
A very good story and definitely heavy content but overall a good book. A quick read but it was emotionally charged topics so there were times i had to put it down. Definitely a powerful story that shows a lot of different endings for people in these positions and how they can “choose” one ending or another and how for some it isn’t a choice.
lostinfrance's review against another edition
3.0
I got this book as an ARC before I saw any reviews--- as I figured it would be an interesting read and then something to pass on to my nephew.
This is a heavy topic...and I am Caucasian, but I don't think that takes away from impact of the book, just a different perspective. This is the story of a Black high school student attending a private boarding school on scholarship and trying to fit in. His best friend and him get each other- but the rest of the world seems at a loss. He attends school with people that don't see the racism in their comments/costumes and gets glared at when he visits his mom in his neighborhood. At the start of the book he is arrested for trying to help his drunk ex girlfriend home--- and treated like a delinquent because he is black and the officer is a racist white cop. His view of the world is tipped further upside down....he writes letters to MLK to try and understand, talks to his teacher who helps the students questions their surroundings....and hang with his friend. Then tragedy strikes and Justyce has to reassess everything and questions joining a gang and giving up his academic plans....thank god for friends and teachers.
This was written for teenagers--- so I shouldn't complain too much, but I thought this was too short for so many topics. Too much, too little....but I can see that this would also be a good book to bring into the classroom and start conversations (or talk to your teen about)....I appreciated the writing and Justyce's experiences. I just wish there was more....
Read if you don't understand the BLM movement....or if you want to be a better ally.
2021 PopSugar Reading Challenge: A book found on a Black Lives Matter reading list
This is a heavy topic...and I am Caucasian, but I don't think that takes away from impact of the book, just a different perspective. This is the story of a Black high school student attending a private boarding school on scholarship and trying to fit in. His best friend and him get each other- but the rest of the world seems at a loss. He attends school with people that don't see the racism in their comments/costumes and gets glared at when he visits his mom in his neighborhood. At the start of the book he is arrested for trying to help his drunk ex girlfriend home--- and treated like a delinquent because he is black and the officer is a racist white cop. His view of the world is tipped further upside down....he writes letters to MLK to try and understand, talks to his teacher who helps the students questions their surroundings....and hang with his friend. Then tragedy strikes and Justyce has to reassess everything and questions joining a gang and giving up his academic plans....thank god for friends and teachers.
This was written for teenagers--- so I shouldn't complain too much, but I thought this was too short for so many topics. Too much, too little....but I can see that this would also be a good book to bring into the classroom and start conversations (or talk to your teen about)....I appreciated the writing and Justyce's experiences. I just wish there was more....
Read if you don't understand the BLM movement....or if you want to be a better ally.
2021 PopSugar Reading Challenge: A book found on a Black Lives Matter reading list
alinae808's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
As a future educator, this book has affected how I will treat my students. I want to take more time to understand their home life and their mental health. I knew relationships were important for a good classroom environment, but I had never examined just how difficult one student's life could be in regards to their racial identity. I want my classroom to celebrate diversity and be a safe space where tolerance and inclusion is not just encouraged but expected. I hope I can help students who go through problems similar to Martin’s and that they will understand my love and compassion for them.