Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Walter McMillian’s story is one of wrongful conviction and racial injustice. What were your reactions to the way the legal system treated him? Did any specific moments or details stand out to you as especially surprising or moving?
• Stevenson’s message emphasizes the importance of justice and mercy. After reading the book, what do you think justice and mercy mean in the context of the legal system? How did this book impact your understanding of these concepts?
• How did you feel about the balance of difficult topics, such as racism and violence, with the hopeful moments of resilience and justice? Did this mix make the book more powerful or easier to understand? Why?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Stevenson repeatedly emphasizes the power of empathy in his work. How does his approach make you reflect on your own ability to empathize with others, even those who have made mistakes? Have there been times in your life when someone showed you empathy that made a difference?
• The book emphasizes how deeply racial bias is embedded in society and the justice system. Have you noticed any ways in which people make assumptions based on race or background in your community or in the media? How do these assumptions affect the way people are treated?
• Stevenson talks about the importance of resilience and hope, even in dark situations. Has there been a time when you needed to show resilience or hold onto hope? What helped you get through that time?
• Throughout his career, Stevenson faces many difficult cases, and his clients often come from difficult circumstances. How does reading about these experiences make you reflect on the importance of support systems, like family, community, or mentors, in overcoming challenges?
• Stevenson says that people in the justice system often show cruelty instead of mercy. Can you think of a time when you were shown mercy or kindness instead of punishment? How did it change the situation or your perspective?
• In Just Mercy, advocacy is portrayed as more than a job; it’s a way of standing up for people who don’t have a voice. Are there causes or issues that you feel strongly about? How might you advocate for them or support people affected by these issues?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Stevenson argues that racial bias is embedded within the justice system, with roots in the Jim Crow era and beyond. How does understanding the history of Jim Crow laws help you make sense of the injustices described in Just Mercy? In what ways do you see this legacy influencing society today?
• The Equal Justice Initiative was founded to combat systemic injustices and protect those who are vulnerable to harsh sentences. How do you think organizations like the EJI make a difference in society? Have you heard of any similar organizations that work for justice and equity?
• Lynching is described as a tactic used to control and intimidate Black communities during the Jim Crow era. In what ways does the use of racial terror during that time affect the way Black Americans experience policing and public safety today?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does Stevenson’s use of personal anecdotes and real-life cases affect the tone of Just Mercy? How might the tone be different if he had focused only on statistics and general information about the justice system?
• Discuss the thematic importance of economic status in the book. What role does poverty play in shaping a person’s experience with the justice system, and how does Stevenson use specific cases to illustrate this?
• Stevenson frequently uses quotes and passages that highlight the idea of “brokenness” and the shared humanity between him and his clients. How does this concept shape the way readers understand his commitment to justice? What effect does it have on the book’s message about resilience and compassion?
• Analyze the narrative structure of the book, which alternates between Walter McMillian’s case and other cases Stevenson handled. How does this structure reinforce the book’s central themes and give readers a broader view of the systemic issues Stevenson is highlighting?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Imagine that Just Mercy is adapted into a graphic novel for young readers. What scenes or quotes would you most want to include to capture the book’s themes of justice, mercy, and resilience? Describe how you would illustrate these scenes and why.
• Design a social media campaign inspired by Just Mercy to raise awareness about criminal justice reform. What would your key messages be? Include hashtags, graphics, or slogans that you think would capture Stevenson’s goals for justice and empathy.
• If you were to create a memorial to honor people who have been wrongfully convicted, what would it look like? Describe the symbols, quotes, or design elements you would include, and explain how they reflect the themes of Just Mercy.

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.