Dear Martin

Dear Martin by Nic Stone, 210 pages

“Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend--but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out. Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up-- way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.” All I really want to say is, read this book.  I can’t believe how well it’s put together and how well the Justyce is developed so that you are really inside his head the whole time.  Even the pieces that are not his thoughts feel like you’re experiencing them from his perspective.  This may be the most powerful book I’ve read all year.  I will be giving it to any teens who want realistic fiction.