essay prompt for dear martin

10 Impactful Dear Martin Journal Prompts for Reflection and Insight

It’s safe to say that the world we live in today is far from perfect. With so much going on, it’s always a good idea to take a step back and reflect on what’s happening around us. That’s where the Dear Martin Journal Prompts come in. These prompts, inspired by the critically acclaimed novel by Nic Stone, offer a great opportunity to explore a variety of complex issues through reflection, writing, and discussion.

Whether you’re reading Dear Martin for the first time or revisiting it after already finishing, the journal prompts are a great way to get the most out of the book. They cover topics ranging from racism and privilege to friendship and love. By thoughtfully considering these prompts, you’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the story and the world it depicts while also discovering new insights about yourself.

So why not take some time to sit down with the Dear Martin Journal Prompts and start reflecting on the world around you? Whether you’re looking to delve into some important social issues or simply trying to gain a better understanding of your own thoughts and feelings, these prompts offer a great opportunity to explore and learn. So go ahead and grab a pen – it’s time to get writing! Journal Prompts about Race Relations

Race relations, in the context of “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone, refers to the way different races interact with and respond to each other in American society. Examining this theme is fundamental to understanding the scope and depth of the novel; it allows readers to explore the nuances of racial dynamics in the United States. Below are 15 examples of journal prompts about race relations to help readers engage with this topic:

• In what ways do you see evidence of racial inequality in “Dear Martin”? Provide specific examples from the novel.
• Do you believe race relations in America have improved or worsened over the last few years? Why?
• What different viewpoints about race do the characters in “Dear Martin” hold, and how do these viewpoints shape their actions and interactions with others?
• What are some potential strategies for improving race relations in America?
• How does race impact the ways in which American society views and treats individuals who identify as LGBTQ+?
• What is the role of white privilege in race relations, and how can privilege be dismantled?
• What are some common stereotypes about different races in American society, and why are these stereotypes harmful?
• What does “microaggression” mean, and how can it contribute to a hostile racial climate?
• How does race impact access to educational and economic opportunities in America?
• What role does systemic racism play in American society, and how can it be addressed and dismantled?
• What is the relationship between racial representation in the media and race relations in real life?
• How does the concept of intersectionality shape the way we understand and approach race relations?
• What is the impact of racial trauma on individuals and communities, and how can we work towards healing?
• How do different races and ethnicities view and approach police officers in America, and why?
• What is the role of allyship in improving race relations, and what are some concrete ways in which allies can be effective?

By contemplating these prompts and exploring related topics, readers can deepen their understanding of “Dear Martin” and the complex issues it raises. Engaging with these themes can also encourage readers to reflect on their own experiences and understandings of race, and ultimately work towards building more equitable and just communities.

Remember, the key is to approach these topics with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. Only through this process of reflection and action can we hope to create meaningful change and build a better future for all.

Questions for Reflection after Reading “Dear Martin”

Dear Martin by Nic Stone is a powerful novel that tackles issues of racism, prejudice, and social injustice. The book is an excellent resource for students, teachers, and everyone interested in understanding the complexities of race relations in America. Here are 15 journal prompts for reflection after reading the book:

• How did Justyce McAllister’s experiences shape his perspective on race and society?
• What was the significance of Justyce’s relationship with his mother?
• What role did Justyce’s biracial identity play in the story?
• What did you think of the character of Manny and his relationships with other characters?
• What did you think of Justyce’s decision to attend Braselton, the predominantly white school?
• How did the incident at the party change Justyce’s worldview?
• What role did the character of Jared play in the story?
• What did you think of Justyce’s friendship with SJ?
• How did the letter writing exercise impact Justyce’s understanding of Martin Luther King Jr.?
• What thoughts and feelings did the letter writing exercise evoke in you?
• What was the significance of Justyce’s arrest and the police officer’s treatment of him?
• What did you think of the character of Dr. Cedric, and his role in the story?
• What was the significance of Justyce’s decision to read Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter from Birmingham Jail?
• What messages or lessons did you take away from the book?
• How has reading Dear Martin changed your perspective on race and society?

These journal prompts are meant to encourage reflection and dialogue about the book. They can be used for personal reflection, class discussions, or as writing prompts for essays or assignments. By engaging with the complex issues raised in Dear Martin, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and possibilities of race relations in America.

We hope that these prompts inspire you to explore the themes and characters of this powerful novel. Happy reflecting!

Creative Writing Prompts Based on “Dear Martin”

If you have read Nic Stone’s “Dear Martin,” you know how powerful the story can be. The novel can be used as a starting point for some great writing prompts, and we have compiled a list of 15 writing prompts based on the novel.

• Write a letter to Justyce’s mother, describing how you feel about her absence in his life.
• Imagine you are Justyce’s new neighbor. Write a journal entry about your first impressions.
• Write a new chapter for “Dear Martin” about what happens after the end of the novel.
• Write a letter from Manny to SJ, explaining why their friendship is important to him.
• Write a piece of flash fiction that features SJ as the main character.
• Write a news article about the events that unfold at the protest.
• Write a journal entry from Justyce’s perspective, reflecting on his letter to Martin Luther King Jr.
• Write an essay about why writing letters can be a powerful tool for working through difficult emotions.
• Write a poem based on the emotions you felt while reading “Dear Martin.”
• Write a short story that takes place in Stone Mountain, the neighborhood where Justyce lives.
• Write a character analysis of SJ, using quotes from the novel to support your points.
• Write a persuasive essay about why it’s important to have more diverse books in school curriculums.
• Write a scene in which Justyce and Manny struggle to reconcile their differing views on social justice.
• Write a journal entry from Justyce’s mother’s perspective, reflecting on the time she missed with her son.
• Write a scene in which Justyce confronts his classmates who made racist remarks towards him.

These prompts are just the beginning. Use “Dear Martin” as inspiration to come up with your own unique ideas for writing. Happy writing!

Do you have any prompts you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Journal prompts on social justice issues

As part of the Dear Martin journal prompts, you may find it helpful to include prompts related to social justice issues. These prompts encourage students to think critically and engage with important topics that are relevant to their lives and the world around them. Here are 15 examples of social justice prompts that could be included in a Dear Martin journal:

• Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced prejudice or discrimination. How did it affect you and how did you respond?
• Research and write about a social justice organization or movement that is important to you. What are their goals and how do they work to promote change?
• What does privilege mean to you? Reflect on any privileges that you have and how they may impact your perspective or experiences.
• Journal about a news article or current event related to social justice. What are your thoughts and feelings about it?
• Have you ever had to stand up for what is right, even if it was difficult? Write about that experience and how it influenced you.
• What does allyship mean to you? How can you be an ally to marginalized groups?
• Reflect on the concept of intersectionality. How do multiple identities intersect and impact experiences of oppression or privilege?
• Think about a social justice issue that you feel strongly about. What actions can you take to make a difference?
• Write about a time when you realized that something you believed or thought was problematic. How did you change your perspective?
• Research and write about a social justice issue that is not discussed as much as others. Why is it important and how can it be addressed?
• Reflect on a time when you lacked empathy towards someone or a group of people. What did you learn from that experience?
• Think about a time when you saw a stereotype being reinforced. How did it make you feel and how can stereotypes be challenged?
• Write about a social justice issue that you have changed your mind about or that you have become more informed about over time. How did you come to that realization?
• Think about a time when you felt powerless or helpless in the face of injustice. How can individuals or communities work together to create change?
• Research and write about a social justice issue that is specific to your local community. How does it impact people in your area?

Including social justice prompts in a Dear Martin journal helps students to build critical thinking skills, encourages them to view the world through a lens of justice and equity, and invites them to reflect on their own values and experiences. By engaging with these prompts, students can begin to imagine a better world and take steps towards making that vision a reality.

Personal response writing prompts for “Dear Martin”

After reading “Dear Martin,” you may find yourself thinking about the story’s themes, characters, and events. Personal response writing prompts provide opportunities for you to explore your thoughts and feelings about the book. Below are 15 examples of personal response writing prompts that will help you connect with the story on a deeper level.

• How did the protagonist’s experiences change your understanding of racial injustice?
• Do you think that the justice system is fair and equal for all members of society?
• How does Justyce’s relationship with his mother evolve throughout the book? What does this reflect about family dynamics?
• What role do stereotypes play in the story? How do they perpetuate systemic racism?
• Do the characters in the book face any limitations due to their racial identity? If so, what are they?
• What does the book say about the power of language, both positive and negative?
• How does “Dear Martin” compare to other books or movies about race in America?
• Have you ever experienced racism or discrimination? If so, did reading this book help you process those experiences?
• Do you agree with Justyce’s decision to write letters to Martin Luther King Jr.? Why or why not?
• How does the book depict police brutality? Does it align with current events or historical examples?
• What does the book say about allyship and what it means to be an ally?
• What is the significance of the ending, and how does it relate to the larger themes of the book?
• What emotions did you experience while reading “Dear Martin”? Why do you think the story elicited those particular emotions?
• How does the book navigate the tension between individual experiences of racism and systemic oppression?
• What motivates Justyce to challenge the injustices he faces? How does this motivate you to address systemic racism?

Reflecting on literature is a powerful way to deepen your understanding of the world around you. Personal response writing prompts like these are a great way to build empathy, think critically, and engage with important social issues. Use these prompts as a starting point to explore your thoughts and feelings about “Dear Martin” and the system of inequality that it exposes.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers to these prompts. They are designed to encourage self-reflection and introspection. Happy writing!

Journal prompts for exploring identity and belonging

Identity and belonging are two aspects of human existence that are deeply entwined. Our identity is shaped by our experiences, culture, and relationships, and it is through these that we forge our sense of belonging. The following journal prompts are designed to help you explore and make sense of your own identity and sense of belonging.

• What is your cultural background, and how has it shaped your identity?
• Do you feel like you belong in your community? Why or why not?
• What role do your friendships play in your sense of belonging?
• What are the values that you hold most dear, and how do they contribute to your sense of self?
• How do the different facets of your identity (gender, race, religion, etc.) intersect with one another?
• Describe a time when you felt like an outsider. How did that experience shape your sense of belonging?
• Write about the role that family plays in your sense of belonging.
• What does it mean to you to feel like you belong?
• What are the things that you do to make yourself feel like you belong?
• Write about a time when you felt like you had to hide part of your identity. How did that experience affect you?
• Do you feel like you have to conform to certain expectations in order to fit in? Describe those expectations and how they make you feel.
• What are the qualities that you admire most in the people you feel closest to? How do those qualities shape your own sense of self?
• Write about a time when you felt like you truly belonged. What made that experience so meaningful?
• Do you feel like your sense of belonging is tied to a particular place or community? If so, describe that place or community.
• What are the things that you would change about the world in order to create a sense of belonging for everyone?

Reflecting on our identities and sense of belonging can be a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding. These journal prompts will help you explore those aspects of your life and make sense of the role they play in shaping who you are. Remember to be honest with yourself and approach each prompt with an open mind.

May this writing exercise provide insight and growth for you.

FAQs about Dear Martin Journal Prompts

1. what are dear martin journal prompts.

Dear Martin journal prompts are thought-provoking questions based on the book “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone. These prompts will help you to connect with the events and characters of the book and encourage you to express your thoughts and feelings.

2. How can I use Dear Martin journal prompts?

You can use Dear Martin journal prompts to write in your personal journal, for a book club discussion, or to facilitate a more deep and meaningful conversation about “Dear Martin” with friends or family.

3. Can I use Dear Martin journal prompts even if I haven’t read the book yet?

We recommend reading the book “Dear Martin” before using these prompts. The prompts are designed to help you reflect on specific events and characters, so reading the book is necessary to understand the context.

4. Are there any benefits of using Dear Martin journal prompts?

Yes, there are many benefits of using Dear Martin journal prompts. They can help you to develop self-awareness, increase empathy, and strengthen your critical thinking skills.

5. How many journal prompts are included in Dear Martin journal prompts?

There are ten prompts included in Dear Martin journal prompts, each of which addresses a different theme or character in the book “Dear Martin.”

6. Can I photocopy or share the prompts with my friends?

Yes, you can photocopy and share the prompts with your friends or book club members as long as you give proper credit to the author and source.

7. Where can I find Dear Martin journal prompts?

You can find Dear Martin journal prompts online or purchase a physical copy of the prompts. They are available on various online platforms, including Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble.

Closing Thoughts: Thank You for Joining Us

We hope you find Dear Martin journal prompts to be useful and engaging. We encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with others by using these prompts, whether in a personal journal or a book club discussion. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope to see you again soon.

• Unlocking Inspiration: Martin Luther King Jr Journal Prompts for Deep Reflection
• 10 Dear Evan Hansen Themed Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection
• 10 Valentine's Day Journal Prompts to Ignite Your Creativity
• 10 Engaging Elementary Valentine's Journal Prompts for Heartfelt Reflections
• 10 Creative Titles for Journal Prompts to Boost Your Writing
• Top 10 February Middle School Journal Prompts to Spark Creativity

Dear Martin Lesson Plans

17 Dear Martin Discussion Questions

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?

dear martin discussion lesson plans questions

1 thought on “17 Dear Martin Discussion Questions”

• Pingback: Dear Martin Author Interview - Dear Martin Lesson Plans

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Posts

Dear Martin Author Interview

Nice Stone’s novel Dear Martin has been banned in some school districts in the United States. The author, Nic Stone, ...

Dear Martin: Essay Prompts & Rubric

• Google Docs™

Description

These essay prompts are for students to examine after reading Nic Stone's Dear Martin . In my experience, students really get into these prompts and they work well for Socratic Seminars as well.

Questions & Answers

Englishwithely.

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think

Dear Martin

101 pages • 3 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

Get access to this full Teaching Guide and much more!

• 7,600+ In-Depth Study Guides
• 4,850+ Quick-Read Plot Summaries
• Downloadable PDFs

1. What type of car does Justyce’s ex-girlfriend Melo drive when she gets into her drunk driving accident?

A) Honda

B) Mercedes-Benz

C) Cadillac

D) Jeep

2. What happens in Chapter 4 that makes Jared misguidedly say that “The Dream has been realized”?

A) Jared, a white person, sits with Manny, a Black person, together at a lunch table, which he takes as evidence that “The Dream” of racial equality has been realized.

B) Jared’s family acquires a new software company that will make them achieve “The Dream” of having wealth for many generations to come.

C) Jared learns that SJ is likely going to be the head of the debate team, which he takes as evidence that “The Dream” of gender equality has been realized.

D) Jared hears that their new principal identifies as a lesbian, which he takes as evidence that “The Dream” of greater diversity among the school’s administration has been achieved.

The SuperSummary difference

• 8x more resources than SparkNotes and CliffsNotes combined
• Study Guides you won ' t find anywhere else
• 100+ new titles every month

3. Why does Justyce’s mother see it as a positive thing that Justyce does not fit in at school?

A) Because isolation will make him work hard to pursue his dreams

B) Because she wants him to rely on her for socializing

C) Because people who fit in rarely make history

Don't Miss Out!

Access Teaching Guide Now

Related Titles

By Nic Stone

Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Clean Getaway

Dear Justyce

Featured Collections

Books About Race in America

View Collection

Diverse Voices (High School)

Realistic Fiction (High School)