What do Justin and Wes have in common in The Other Wes Moore?

Justin, like Wes, is one of the few black kids at the prestigious Riverdale High School. Their common race establishes a bond between the two boys, providing them with a sense of solidarity—which gives them the strength to deal with such an alien, intimidating environment.
One other thing the two have in common is that they both understand the importance of working hard to get where you want to be in life. That's what Wes learns at Valley Forge Military Academy, which changes his whole outlook completely.
As for Justin, he works hard at school despite numerous setbacks in his life that would traumatize anyone. After losing both his parents, Justin contracts a rare form of cancer. Yet, remarkably, he still retains his focus, working hard to get good grades. Eventually, his hard work and dedication pay off when he embarks upon a successful career in education.