Dear Martin Chapters 1-3 Review

Why did Justyce help Melo in Chapter 1?

• Melo was asking Justyce for a ride home because she was drunk.

• Justyce felt guilty because he owed Melo money.

• Justyce realized that Melo was drunk and thought it would be dangerous if she tried to drive home.

• Justyce recieved a phone call from Melo's mom asking if Justyce would look out for Melo.

Justyce is helping Melo into the back seat so that he can drive her home safely. A police officer arrives at the scene and approaches the vehicle. How is Justyce treated by the police officer? What do the police officer's actions symbolize?

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How does Justyce respond to the police officer's actions?

• Justyce remembers his mom's advice, "Be respectful; keep the anger in check; make sure the police can see your hands." Justyce tried to remain calm, but the police officer upset him. Justyce attacks the police officer, and they end up in a physical altercation.

• Justyce swears at the police officer and calls him every name he can think of.

• Justyce calls his mom on his cell phone as the officer approaches the vehicle. Justyce's mom instructs him to remain silent until she gets there.

• Justyce remembers his mom's advice, "Be respectful; keep the anger in check; make sure the police can see your hands." Justyce tries to explain himself calmly to the police officer, but the officer becomes physically aggressive with Justyce.

Manny seems to be playing a video game similar to "Call of Duty" or another modern war/action shooter game. Why does this seem to bother Justyce?

• Justyce has been asking all day to play a sports game, but Manny insists on playing the shooting game because it's brand new.

• Justyce is tired of playing video games. He asks Manny if they can go on a walk to clear his mind and get some fresh air.

• Justyce is sensitive to the guns and violence because the police officer incident was still fresh in his mind. Justyce asks Manny if they can play something less violent.

• Justyce never liked video games. The loud noises and bright lights seem to give him migraines.

Manny and Justyce are playing video games at Manny's house. Justyce mentions to Manny that he is back together with Melo. How does Manny react to this news?

• Manny tells Justyce that he saw it coming. Justyce has Manny's full support in his "on and off" relationship with Melo.

• Manny can't believe it at first. He argues that Justyce getting back with Melo is the wrong move. Manny has strong feelings against the relationship since Melo has cheated on Justyce in the past.

• Manny seems indifferent to the idea of Justyce and Melo getting back together. If Manny has feelings about the situation, he doesn't express what he thinks to Justyce.

• Melo hasn't been faithful to Justyce in the past, but Melo is considered "one of the hottest" girls in school. Manny understands that everyone wants to date Melo, and he encourages Justyce to stay with her.

Chapter 2 ends with Manny's mom, Dr. Rivers, coming home from work. At this point of the story, and based off of the relationship Justyce shares with Manny and his mother, do you consider Manny to be a good friend to Justyce? Why or why not?

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Quan Banks is Manny's cousin. Chapter 3 opens by telling us that Quan was arrested for shooting not just any cop, but Officer Tomas Castillo. Why is this significant?

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Dr. Jarius Dray, also referred to as "Doc" is introduced to the story in Chapter 3. How does Justice view Doc?

• Doc is the debate team advisor and Justyce's favorite teacher at Bras Prep. Doc is the only half black guy Justice knows with a PhD. Justyce looks up to Doc.

• Doc is the debate team advisor and Justyce's 1st period teacher at Bras Prep. Justice is always embarrassed around Doc because he feels like he could never live up to Doc's expectations.

• Doc is the chess team advisor and Justyce's least favorite teacher at Bras Prep. Justice is failing his class because he keeps falling asleep.

• Doc is the chess team advisor and Justyce's least favorite teacher at Bras Prep. Justice is failing his class. Justice and his friends are always causing trouble and disturbing the class.

In Chapter 3, SJ states that, "You and Manny, who are equal in pretty much every way apart from race, could commit the same crime, but it's almost guaranteed that he would receive a harsher punishment than you." Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

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Early in the book, Justyce writes a letter addressed to Martin Luther King Jr. because...

• Justyce wants Martin Luther King Jr. to read his letter and hear about his experience with the police officer.

• Justyce is writing the letter as a form of venting and reflection. Justyce knows there is racial injustice in this world, and writing it down on paper to a past leader in racial justice is his way of expressing his frustration.

• Justyce wants Martin Luther King Jr. to read his letter and hear about his experience. Little does anyone know, Martin Luther King Jr. is also his uncle.

• Justyce looks up to Martin Luther King Jr. Justyce hopes that when Martin Luther King receives this letter, they can talk more in depth about these issues in person.