I hadn't read Dear Martin but this didn't matter as I believe you could read Dear Justyce as a standalone.

I really enjoyed this book and liked the combination of letters and prose. I would absolutely recommend this to my students

However, some of the structural choices were distracting and frustrating, in particular, Stone's decision
To write
A lot
Like
This.
I'm not sure what effect she was going for and for me, it took away rather than added to the strong narrative.

this book was excellent. the writing was so heartfelt. it was one of those books you feel when you read. im sure this book will be loved by many, particularly if read after the first book in the series.

This is a companion volume to Dear Martin featuring secondary character Quan. In this volume, our hero Quan writes to Justyce (the protagonist of Dear Martin) in letters send from juvenile detention, where he's imprisoned for the murder of a police officer, a crime he didn't commit. Its a nuanced & often heartbreaking tale that really illuminates the horrendous situations that black teenagers in the US can find themselves in. The book is so clever and credible in showing us how Quan's good intentions to pursue a better life actually led him to the dire situation he finds himself in and how quickly the case against him finally unravels as completely unjustified is absolutely terrifying. The author offers a pay-off of a satisfying but very rosy ending as all is resolved but in her acknowledgements lets us know that the support and friendship Quan has that leads to his conviction being overturned is probably pure wish fulfilment and unlikely in real life. A really compelling read that highlights some very pertinent issues.

Wow
I read Dear Martin and was amazed at how relevant the book was today so was pleased to know there was a book that followed on. I loved how the book showed a different side to the story, I did not want it to end enjoyed each and every page. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read the wonderful book.

I devoured Dear Martin, the first book in this series (although they can be read non-sequentially) in hours. Nic Stone has an impeccable pace and knack for making you sit right there with the characters. In this story, Quan finds himself in prison for a crime he did not commit. Why is he there? Who is to blame? And how can he be helped? Illustrating the racial injustice which ruins so many young Black lives, this book is so so important. If your local store doesn't have a copy, please request they stock it as a compulsory Teenage/YA read. Kids like Quan are suffering right now, and this needs to change.

Thank you to netgalley for this advance review copy. (For reference I read this during Covid 19 lockdown)

I read this story in one sitting. The writing was amazing. It was able to transport and immerse me in a life completely different to my own. This sequel was as good as the first.

With the horrific treatment of George Floyd, there couldn't have been a more apposite moment to read this book. Quan wonders if there is any way that he could have made different decisions, ones which wouldn't have lead to gang membership and incarceration on a murder charge. As we follow his life, we see how events are stacked against him, and how trivial acts of racism eat away at him (he's accused of cheating because his test score is so good, and despite the fact that books are his escape, the new librarian treats him as if he's going to cause trouble...)
This is a novel that helped me to understand how privileged I am, and it made me feel very angry. However, it's also a gripping read: Quan is such a likeable character, and you are really rooting for him. I'm going to be recommending this book as a great read, and I'll be looking out for Dear Martyn to read the back story, too.

I feel uncomfortable saying I enjoyed this book as at the heart of this narrative is injustice that people of a minority experience everyday. The form of the letters allowed the characters to speak their truth. Quan’s story may be one that many others have experienced but it was interesting to read Nic Stone’s additions to reveal further truth beyond the fiction. Some moments of the narrative are romanticised; I wonder if this is for the benefit of the reader? I wonder how I would feel if these moments reflected the truth?
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This is a must read. And I have now added Nic Stone’s Dear Martin to my TBR list.
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I would definitely recommend this to my secondary students (14+)

Dear Justyce, powerful, raw, unflinching and honest. It's a book that lingers with you long after you've finished reading. An important, extremely relevant and topical read for anyone who wants to educate themselves more on the black lives matter initiative. It should be added to every schools reading list.

This book is a sort of sequel to Dear Martin but works well as a stand alone novel. Opening with an author's note about why she has written it, it hooks you in from the beginning. Justyce has had a complicated childhood and has an awareness of injustice from a very young age. This is a timely and important read and the writing is both gripping and accesible. Would recommend this as an essential read from early teen years through to adulthood.