Dear Justyce

How does Quan try to exert control over his life as a child? As a teenager? Why are these attempts successful or unsuccessful?

In Dear Martin, Justyce writes that because he got good grades and stayed out of trouble, he thought he would never have to deal with the police like “THOSE black guys.” In Dear Justyce, Quan is offended when he reads this entry in Justyce’s notebook. Why would Quan find this idea offensive?

When Quan is growing up, Dwight calls him “Delinquent Junior.” Why does Dwight call Quan this? What effect does this nickname have on Quan?

When Dwight hurts Mama, she tries to cover up her injuries with makeup, long clothing, and stories of how she injured herself. Why does Mama try to hide Dwight’s abuse?

Trey states that Black children are often expected to behave like adults. How do moments in the novel reflect this idea?

In the first half of the novel, Stone chooses to show only Quan’s letters, not Justyce’s. Why did the author omit Justyce’s letters to Quan and show only Quan’s responses?

As Liberty and Tay prepare Quan for his mother’s visit to the prison, Quan is moved to see two women working to help him deal with his emotions and advocating for him. How is this experience different from his past experiences with Mama?

Quan writes checks to Martel to settle his debt, but the checks are never cashed. What might this detail reveal about Martel?