Dear Martin
By Nic Stone
"Writing letters to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., seventeen-year-old college-bound Justyce McAllister struggles to face the reality of race relations today and how they are shaping him. " - HELM
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Profanity, Sexual Content
According to a 2022 article from Smoky Mountain News, "Students at Tuscola High School will no longer be able to read “Dear Martin,” (Crown Publishing Group, 2017) after administration decided the book is too inappropriate to use as assigned reading. “The intended educational message or purpose of the book was being diminished by the way it was written, by the amount of profanity and innuendo,” said Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte."
See our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information about why books written by Black authors that address systemic racism are frequently targeted for censorship.
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
Database access and e-content is available to all students, faculty, and staff using the following credentials:
Username: STCC ID number
Password: Last name in capital letters.
Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:
Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: