Dear Manny by Nic Stone
Series: Dear Martin #3
Published by Penguin Random House on 2025
ISBN: 9780593308011
Pages: 199
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Dear Manny is the third installment in the Dear Martin series, following Yale student Jared Peter Christiansen as he reckons with his privilege as a wealthy, white, male running for Junior Council President on a platform of equity and inclusion.

The minute Jared encounters John Preston LePlante IV, a multi-generation legacy student who “doesn’t believe in DEI because they didn’t earn it”, Jared knows he must run against him for Council President to better represent the whole student body. When a surprise third candidate enters the race ready to question how committed Jared is to his beliefs (while simultaneously stealing his heart), Jared starts to worry. Though he considers himself quite socially aware after LOTS of unlearning, he is increasingly unsettled by how similar his background and outward appearance are to John Preston. To cope, Jared starts to write letters to his deceased best friend Manny (a black boy killed by an off duty white cop) but only more questions arise: What’s the best way to bring about change? How do you get ahead while acknowledging you have a significant head start?

Of the three books in the Dear Martin series, I think this is one that would appeal best to Maine student demographics. It examines privileges that some students may take for granted with real time counterarguments, while also showing that there can still be love and growth in our current political climate. The writing style will also have high appeal with its multiple formats (texts, play-style conversations, etc.), short chapters and humor sprinkled amidst the hard conversations. I’d recommend this to 9th graders and up, especially in classes where current events and lively discussions are encouraged.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta