Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
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Incarcerated teen Quan writes letters to Justyce about his experiences in the American juvenile justice system. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Angie Thomas.
In the highly anticipated sequel to her New York Times best seller, Nic Stone delivers an unflinching look into the flawed practices and silenced voices in the American juvenile justice system.
Vernell LaQuan Banks and Justyce McAllister grew up a block apart in the Southwest Atlanta neighborhood of Wynwood Heights. Years later, though, Justyce walks the illustrious halls of Yale University…and Quan sits behind bars at the Fulton Regional Youth Detention Center.
Through a series of flashbacks, vignettes, and letters to Justyce – the protagonist of Dear Martin – Quan’s story takes form. Troubles at home and misunderstandings at school give rise to police encounters and tough decisions. But then there’s a dead cop and a weapon with Quan’s prints on it. What leads a bright kid down a road to a murder charge? Not even Quan is sure.
Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
MY THOUGHTS & REVIEW
AGAIN, incredibly powerful, and a book that needs to be read!
Dear Justyce reminded me of Just Mercy, and This is My America. The book focuses on the juvenile justice system, and every time I read about books that showcases the flaws of the justice system, it breaks my heart.
The story perfectly complemented Dear Martin!! It was a bit like two halves of a scale, on one side Dear Martin, on the other side Dear Justyce – perfectly balanced.
The letters to Justyce, and the flashbacks which showed Quan’s upbringing and the circumstances that got him incarcerated, brought up all kinds of questions and made me THINK. These books always make me think.
I also LOVED that Dear Justyce gave me a glimpse of Justyce after his studies. Again it gave me wonderful Just Mercy vibes!! SO GOOD!!
Overall Dear Justice was a wonderful sequel. And I loved the foreword by the author, about the reason why she wrote this story, her way of giving a voice to kids like Quan. And it breaks my heart that there is even something like a school to prison pipeline – it’s unfathomable.
Both Dear Justyce and Dear Martin are shorter books, the audiobook only 4 hrs and 45 mins long. They are perfect for in-between other books.
FOUR STARS
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Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
I loved Dear Martin so much, so this is on my list on hold at the library. Nic Stone writes these short but incredibly powerful stories. She’s a true talent.
I agree, the author has a real talent for writing powerful novels, that fit into a smaller format without losing the emotional impact and message. Not everyone can do that!
I have this book sitting on my shelf waiting for me to read – I still have to read Dear Martin too.I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this. I enjoyed Just Mercy so I’m excited to read this! 🙂
The good thing Meghan, they are short, at last Dear Martin is only 244 pages long, fast and quick read, and Dear Justyce was only 5 hours of audiobook. They are doable and perfect for in-between other books. And I bet since you enjoyed Just Mercy, you’ll get a kick out of Dear Justyce.
I won’t lie, I was shocked when I saw how small the books were at the store so I bought both of them. I plan to get to them *hopefully* by the end of this year! I’ve been reading the books I own in between library books!
I’m going to buy both of them as well, love the covers! And they’ll be great between other books!
Ooh I didn’t know these two were connected.
They are, Quan was Manny’s cousin and he and Justyce grew up in the same neighborhood. You’ll even get a couple chapters from Justyce in this book 😊 and year more about what he is doing now.
I read Dear Martin a couple of months ago and still think about it all the time. I just checked and my library has this one, so I have put it on hold. Wonderful review Corina, I am looking forward to it. I only found out last week that this book had been written, so this review is very timely. I think I would also like to listen to it when I can get the audiobook.
Thank you Carla! The audiobook is great, you won’t regret it, and I’m glad this review came at the same time. I’m looking forward to your thoughts – and happy reading!!!!
Ah I’m so excited to start this duology and I loved this review Corina xoxo
This duet is so POWERFUL!! Both, equally good and must read in my mind. Hope you’ll enjoy them.