Discussion Questions

SL.9-10.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.


  • The opening scene shows Justyce trying to get his ex-girlfriend, Melo, home safely. She is biracial and, as readers find out, she is perceived as white based on her complexion. Justyce is confronted and attacked by Officer Castillo. Do you think that he would have attacked Justyce if he thought that Justyce was white? Why or why not?

  • Dr. “Doc” Dray, Justyce and Manny’s debate teacher, puts the words “all men are created equal” on the board. (p. 21) Discuss the meaning of these words within their historical context and now. How and why has their meaning changed?

  • How does Justyce handle the news that the officer who killed Shemar Carson was not indicted? How are those feelings made more complicated when Manny’s cousin is accused of killing Officer Castillo? (pp. 19–20)

  • Why do you think the author used only three words for chapter 14? (p. 120) What effect does this have?

  • Respond to Quan’s question: “Why try to do right if people will always look at me and assume wrong?” (p. 144) Why did Quan ask this? How does Justyce respond? What would Martin say?

  • Who do you think set Officer Garrett Tison’s house on fire? (p. 174) Explain your thinking.

Officer Tison dies in prison. What do you think is going on in Justyce’s mind once he hears the news? (pp. 197–198)


References:

Clark, S. (2017, October). Discussion Guide. Dear Martin Discussion Guide. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9781101939499_4983.pdf


NCDPI. (2017). Highlighted Standards. A vertical view of the NC standard course of study for English Language Arts, K-12. Retrieved March 21, 2022, from website https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SSoAAWhAawtVEEGSNM1ak8f01_p9GM2i/edit