Dear Martin by Nic Stone
English 3 CP1 & CP2 Summer Reading Assignment
Guided Reading Questions

DIRECTIONS: You are NOT required to complete the reading guide. However, the assessment you will take on the novel is an open-note/open-book assessment. If you complete these questions, you will be permitted to use them to help you complete the test.

Chapter 1: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. Who is Justyce McAllister, and what do we learn about his background and achievements in this opening chapter?
  2. Where does the chapter take place, and how does the atmosphere shift when Officer Castillo arrives?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What prompts Justyce to intervene with Melo Proffitt outside the basement party? What are the immediate consequences?
  2. How does Officer Castillo treat Justyce during their encounter, and how does Officer Castillo interpret Justyce's actions?
  3. What is Justyce’s emotional response to being cuffed and restrained on the pavement?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How is racial profiling introduced as a central theme in this opening chapter?
  2. What role does racial and socioeconomic privilege play in how Melo and Justyce are treated during the police interaction?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. What does Officer Castillo's reaction foreshadow about the ongoing conflicts Justyce will face as a young Black man?
  2. Identify an example of imagery or figurative language in Chapter 1 and explain how it emphasizes Justyce’s powerlessness.

Chapter 2: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does Justyce process the trauma of his arrest in the days following his release?
  2. What do we learn about the environment and student demographic at Braselton Preparatory Academy?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What specific event and internal realization prompt Justyce to start writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
  2. How does the way Justyce is perceived at Braselton Prep contrast with how he was treated by Officer Castillo?
  3. What conflict emerges between Justyce’s achievements and his growing awareness of how society views him?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does W.E.B. Du Bois's concept of "double consciousness" manifest in Justyce’s reflections in his letter?
  2. What does Justyce hope to achieve through his "Be Like Martin" experiment?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. What might Justyce's commitment to nonviolence foreshadow about the challenges to his patience later in the novel?

Chapter 3: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does Mr. Ward's Socio-Econ classroom setting foster dynamic and tense discussions?
  2. What do we learn about Jared Christensen, Sarah-Jane (SJ) Biedinger, and their opposing viewpoints?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What specific claim made by Jared sparks the classroom debate on racial equality?
  2. How does Jared’s argument illustrate his colorblind ideology and lack of awareness regarding systemic inequality?
  3. How does Justyce respond during the class discussion, and why does he choose to hold back from speaking fully?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. What is the tone of the conversation among the students, and how does SJ challenge Jared’s perspective?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does Jared’s resistance to acknowledging systemic racism foreshadow future ideological clashes in his peer group?

Chapter 4: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. What does the atmosphere in Jared’s basement reveal about the dynamic within Justyce’s group of male friends?
  2. How does Justyce feel about the insensitive jokes made by Jared and brushed off by Manny?
Plot & Conflict
  1. How does Jared attempt to minimize or dismiss the reality of racial inequality in America during their conversation?
  2. Why does Manny often go along with Jared’s comments, and how does Justyce’s internal reaction differ?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does this chapter explore the complexity of racial dynamics within a wealthy, suburban peer group?
  2. What does Jared’s reliance on humor reveal about using banter to evade accountability?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. How does Nic Stone use Justyce’s internal monologue and silence to highlight his emotional isolation?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How do Manny’s passive responses in this chapter foreshadow his eventual racial awakening?
Critical Thinking & Reflection
  1. Why might Justyce feel alienated even when surrounding himself with close, long-time friends?
  2. What responsibility do friends have to call out microaggressions within their social circle?

Chapter 5: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How is Justyce’s academic focus and dedication to the debate team highlighted in this chapter?
  2. What is the significance of SJ’s support and intellectual partnership with Justyce?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What does Justyce’s letter to Dr. King reveal about his struggle to balance his academic goals with his emotional turmoil?
  2. What conflict arises regarding respectability politics—the idea that acting "right" will protect Black individuals from harm?
  3. How does Justyce begin to question whether high achievement truly shields him from prejudice?
Themes & Symbols
  1. What does the ongoing practice of writing to Dr. King symbolize for Justyce’s personal development?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. How does the tone of Justyce’s written letter to Dr. King reflect both vulnerability and analytical thought?

Chapter 6: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does the group's choice of Halloween costumes highlight cultural insensitivity and privilege?
  2. What specific costume theme do Jared and the group choose, and why is Justyce uncomfortable participating?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What confrontation or backlash occurs at the party as a result of the group’s costumes?
  2. How do the other partygoers and Manny’s friends react to the "Equality Brigade" concept?
  3. How does Justyce navigate the awkwardness and tension caused by Jared's idea?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. What tone does Nic Stone establish during the party scene, and how does it convey Justyce's discomfort?
  2. How does Justyce's internal reaction to the costumes contrast with Jared’s oblivious enthusiasm?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does this chapter foreshadow increasing friction between Justyce, Manny, and Jared regarding race?
Critical Thinking & Reflection
  1. Why do you think Jared believed his costume idea was harmless or funny?
  2. How does cultural appropriation or racial stereotyping in social settings impact real-world relationships?

Chapter 7: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does Justyce describe his evolving perception of Manny in his letter to Dr. King?
  2. What does this chapter reveal about Justyce’s psychological state following the Halloween event?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What prompts Justyce to further critique the concept of "colorblindness" pushed by Jared?
  2. How do Manny’s reactions to Jared’s behavior begin to subtly shift or show signs of strain?
  3. What internal questions does Justyce pose to Dr. King regarding the feasibility of nonviolence in modern society?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How is the struggle for identity developed as Justyce navigates two distinct environments (his neighborhood and Braselton Prep)?
  2. What does Justyce’s frustration illustrate about the emotional weight of constantly code-switching?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. What does Justyce’s growing disillusionment foreshadow about his capacity to remain silent?
Critical Thinking & Reflection
  1. Is code-switching a necessary tool for survival, or does it infringe on personal identity? Explain your view.
  2. How does lingering trauma from a unfair experience affect an individual’s everyday social interactions?

Chapter 8: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. What role does SJ play in helping Justyce prepare for the upcoming State Debate Tournament?
  2. How do the students at Braselton Prep react to news about college early action applications?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What news does Justyce receive regarding his application to Yale University, and how does Jared react?
  2. How does Jared rationalize his own deferral by bringing up affirmative action and racial quotas?
  3. What debate unfolds in the classroom regarding meritocracy versus systemic advantage?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. What tone does Jared adopt when confronting Justyce about Yale, and how does SJ counter his claims?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does Jared’s hostility after the college notifications mark a turning point in his dynamic with Justyce?
Critical Thinking & Reflection
  1. How does Jared's reaction reveal his belief in entitlement and privilege?
  2. What strategies can individuals use to defend their achievements when faced with microaggressions?

Chapter 9: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does the setting of the State Debate Tournament showcase Justyce and SJ's synergy and preparation?
  2. What topic do Justyce and SJ choose for their debate presentation?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What key arguments do Justyce and SJ present during the tournament regarding racial inequality in the justice system?
  2. How does the audience and judging panel respond to their presentation?
  3. What emotional moment occurs between Justyce and SJ after their tournament success?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. How does Nic Stone build intellectual energy and emotional intimacy during the debate scenes?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does the tournament outcome foreshadow Justyce’s growing confidence in using his voice?

Chapter 10: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does Justyce’s interaction with his mother reveal her expectations regarding relationships and race?
  2. What do we learn about Quan Banks and his connection to Manny’s family?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What news does Justyce receive about Quan Banks, and why is Quan in a juvenile detention center?
  2. How does Quan’s situation with Officer Castillo parallel Justyce’s earlier experience in Chapter 1?
  3. What realization does Manny come to regarding his cousin Quan’s life trajectory versus his own privilege?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does Quan’s arrest highlight the contrasting paths available to Black youth based on socioeconomic background?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does Quan’s case foreshadow future legal and systemic complications in the novel?

Chapter 11: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. What is the setting of the juvenile detention center, and how does it affect Justyce during his visit with Quan?
  2. What advice or perspective does Quan offer Justyce during their meeting?
Plot & Conflict
  1. Why does Quan suggest that Justyce contact Martel Montgomery and the Black Jihad?
  2. How does Justyce react to Quan’s suggestion that the system is stacked against them regardless of good behavior?
  3. What internal dilemma does Justyce face after learning about Martel’s support system for neighborhood youth?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does Quan’s perspective challenge Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance and institutional trust?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does Quan giving Martel’s contact info to Justyce foreshadow future choices Justyce must consider?

Chapter 12: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does the setting of Jared’s basement/hangout space reflect a shift in Manny’s tolerance for his friends' behavior?
  2. What do we learn about Manny’s father’s professional background and corporate experience?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What announcement does Jared’s father make regarding an upcoming lawsuit or complaint about political correctness/affirmative action?
  2. How do Jared and his friends discuss racial issues in front of Manny, and what final straw causes Manny to snap?
  3. What physical or verbal confrontation occurs between Manny and Jared?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does Manny’s breaking point symbolize the limits of assimilation for Black youth in elite spaces?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. What is the tone of Manny’s realization as he speaks to Justyce after quitting the basketball team/confronting Jared?

Chapter 13: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. Where do Manny and Justyce go in the car after Manny’s altercation with Jared?
  2. What is Manny’s emotional state as he drives around with Justyce?
Plot & Conflict
  1. Why does Manny decide to play his music loudly, and what does this act represent for him in that moment?
  2. How does Justyce attempt to counsel Manny, and how does Manny respond?
  3. What decision do Manny and Justyce make regarding their plans for the rest of the day?
Themes & Symbols
  1. What does loud music symbolize for Manny during his moment of defiance and emotional processing?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does the rising emotional intensity in the car foreshadow the sudden encounter at the traffic light?

Chapter 14: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. Describe the setting of the traffic intersection and the presence of the off-duty officer in the neighboring vehicle.
  2. Who is Garrett Tison, and what is his initial reaction to Manny and Justyce’s car?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What interaction takes place between Garrett Tison and Manny at the red light over the loud music?
  2. How does Manny respond when Tison demands that they turn the music down?
  3. Describe the tragedy that occurs at the intersection and its immediate aftermath.
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does this chapter dramatically illustrate the themes of racial tension, police authority, and senseless violence?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. How does Nic Stone construct the pacing and sudden shift in tone from atmospheric tension to chaos?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. Identify how earlier discussions of race and authority culminated in this specific conflict.
Critical Thinking & Reflection
  1. In what ways does this chapter challenge the idea that respectability or socioeconomic status guarantees safety?

Chapter 15: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. What is Justyce’s physical and emotional condition as he wakes up in the hospital?
  2. How do Manny’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rivers, handle the overwhelming grief of losing their son?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What news does Justyce receive regarding Manny’s fate and his own injuries?
  2. How does the media begin covering the shooting, and how is Garrett Tison framed in early news reports?
  3. How does Justyce process survivor’s guilt upon realizing he survived while Manny did not?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does the contrast between the private reality of grief and public media reporting emerge in this chapter?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. What is the tone of Manny’s memorial service, and how does Justyce experience it?

Chapter 16: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. Why does Justyce decide to visit Martel Montgomery’s house in the Black Jihad neighborhood?
  2. Who accompanies Justyce to Martel’s house, and what environment does he find there?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What perspective does Martel share with Justyce regarding protection, community, and the justice system?
  2. How does Justyce feel while observing the weapons and lifestyle of the gang members?
  3. What internal struggle prevents Justyce from fully embracing Martel’s invitation to join them?
Themes & Symbols
  1. What does Martel’s house represent as an alternative power structure compared to mainstream institutions?
Foreshadowing & Literary Devices
  1. How does Justyce’s decision to leave Martel’s house signal a pivotal moment in his commitment to his own values?

Chapter 17: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How do Mr. and Mrs. Rivers welcome Justyce into their home during a dinner meeting?
  2. What news do the Rivers family share with Justyce regarding Garrett Tison’s indictment hearing?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What gift or memory of Manny’s do the Rivers give to Justyce, and what is its significance?
  2. How does the media frame an old photograph of Justyce to smear his character publicly?
  3. How does Justyce handle the realization that the public narrative is being manipulated against him?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does the media's use of images explore the theme of racial bias and character assassination?
Chapter 18: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does SJ’s home provide a safe harbor for Justyce as he deals with media scrutiny and trauma?
  2. What do we learn about SJ’s mother and her support for Justyce?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What conversation takes place between Justyce and SJ regarding their romantic feelings for each other?
  2. How do Justyce and SJ address the complications of their different backgrounds and interracial relationship?
  3. How does reconnecting with SJ help Justyce regain emotional stability?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. What is the tone of the scene between Justyce and SJ, and how does Stone highlight vulnerability?

Chapter 19: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does the setting of Doc’s classroom serve as a reflective space for Justyce?
  2. What guidance does Doc (Dr. Dray) offer Justyce as he prepares for graduation and the grand jury outcome?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What news arrives regarding the grand jury’s decision on whether to indict Garrett Tison for Manny’s murder?
  2. How does the community react to the grand jury’s decision, and what protests emerge?
  3. How does Justyce reconcile Doc’s personal history with racial adversity with his own current path?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How is the theme of resilience explored through Doc’s mentorship?

Chapter 20: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. What is the atmosphere in the courtroom as the trial of Garrett Tison begins?
  2. How does Justyce prepare himself emotionally for taking the witness stand?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What happens when Justyce testifies about the events of the shooting during Tison's trial?
  2. How does Tison’s defense attorney attempt to paint Justyce and Manny as aggressive or instigating?
  3. What unexpected development or testimony occurs during the court proceedings?
Tone, Style & Voice
  1. How does Stone capture the tension and formal detachment of courtroom proceedings?

Chapter 21: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. How does the court react as the jury returns to deliver their verdicts on the multiple charges against Garrett Tison?
  2. What is Justyce’s physical and emotional state as he waits in the courtroom?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What are the specific verdicts returned by the jury regarding Garrett Tison (e.g., murder charge vs. lesser charges)?
  2. How does the failure to reach a verdict on the main murder charge impact Justyce, SJ, and Manny’s parents?
  3. What news later arrives concerning Garrett Tison while he is in custody awaiting a retrial?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does the partial verdict illustrate the systemic difficulties in achieving complete legal justice?
Chapter 22: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. Describe the setting of Manny’s grave where Justyce goes to reflect.
  2. How has Justyce’s outlook evolved as he prepares to transition to college life at Yale?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What internal thoughts does Justyce share with Manny while visiting his grave?
  2. How does Justyce reflect on the balance between Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings and Malcolm X’s perspectives?
  3. What choice does Justyce make regarding how he will approach his future at Yale?
Themes & Symbols
  1. What does Manny’s gravestone symbolize for Justyce in terms of memory, honor, and moving forward?

Chapter 23: Reading Questions
Character & Setting
  1. What is the setting of the final scene at Yale University, and who is Justyce’s unexpected roommate/peer?
  2. How has Jared Christensen changed since high school graduation and the trial?
Plot & Conflict
  1. What interaction takes place between Justyce and Jared when they meet at Manny's grave earlier or at college?
  2. How does Jared demonstrate growth and a shift in his worldview regarding racial justice?
  3. How does Justyce conclude his final letter to Dr. King?
Themes & Symbols
  1. How does the final interaction between Justyce and Jared address the theme of genuine growth versus superficial apology?
  2. What does Justyce’s final letter symbolize regarding his ongoing journey to define who he is?
Critical Thinking & Reflection
  1. How does the ending of the novel balance realistic systemic challenges with hope for individual transformation?
  2. What key lesson or perspective does Justyce carry forward from his "Be Like Martin" experiment?
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