When teaching Dear Martin by Nic Stone, start by establishing a safe space in your classroom. Make sure that students understand why and how to express themselves respectfully.
If you have the proper environment in your classroom, you can use Dear Martin as a terrific jump-off point for many important and compelling discussions. The issues explored in Dear Martin are timely, significant, and relevant to today’s teenagers, so it provides a great opportunity to learn and grow together.
Below are 17 discussion questions for Dear Martin you can use to get started. Use them for class or group discussion, or as writing prompts.
Dear Martin Discussion Questions
- How does Justyce McAllister’s understanding of the concept of “justice” change throughout Dear Martin?
- How does Dear Martin tackle the issue of institutionalized racism?
- What role do the characters of Manny and Jared play in Justyce’s journey?
- How does the relationship between Justyce and his parents evolve throughout the book?
- What is the significance of the Martin Luther King Jr. quotes at the beginning of each chapter?
- How does Dear Martin explore the intersections of race, class, and privilege?
- What is the significance of the scene in the detention center, and how does it shape Justyce’s understanding of the world around him?
- How does the character of Lisa serve as a catalyst for change in Justyce’s life?
- Discuss the themes of identity, power, and agency in Dear Martin.
- How does the book ultimately address the question of what it means to be an ally in the fight for social justice?
- How does the relationship between Justyce and Squee change throughout the book, and what does it reveal about the complexities of race and friendship?
- What is the significance of the shooting incident at the beginning of the book, and how does it shape Justyce’s worldview?
- How does Dear Martin critique the criminal justice system and its treatment of people of color?
- What is the significance of the relationship between Justyce and his grandfather, and what does it reveal about the impact of historical events on contemporary experiences?
- Discuss the role of education and knowledge in Dear Martin, and how it shapes Justyce’s understanding of the world.
- What is the significance of the letters Justyce writes to Martin Luther King Jr., and what do they reveal about his growth and development?
- How does Dear Martin explore the theme of forgiveness and its role in healing and justice?
1 thought on “17 Dear Martin Discussion Questions”