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  • Published: 25 November 2020
  • ISBN: 9780593108239
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $35.00

Darius the Great Deserves Better




In this companion to the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius suddenly has it all: a boyfriend, an internship, a spot on the soccer team. It's everything he's ever wanted--but what if he deserves better?

In this companion to the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius suddenly has it all: a boyfriend, an internship, a spot on the soccer team. It's everything he's ever wanted--but what if he deserves better?

Darius Kellner is having a bit of a year. Since his trip to Iran, a lot has changed. He's getting along with his dad, and his best friend Sohrab is only a Skype call away. Between his first boyfriend, Landon, varsity soccer practices, and an internship at his favorite tea shop, things are falling into place.

Then, of course, everything changes. Darius's grandmothers are in town for a long visit, and Darius can't tell whether they even like him. The internship is not going according to plan, Sohrab isn't answering Darius's calls, and Dad is far away on business. And Darius is sure he really likes Landon . . . but he's also been hanging out with Chip Cusumano, former bully and current soccer teammate--and well, maybe he's not so sure about anything after all.

Darius was just starting to feel okay, like he finally knew what it meant to be Darius Kellner. But maybe okay isn't good enough. Maybe Darius deserves better.

  • Published: 25 November 2020
  • ISBN: 9780593108239
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $35.00

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Praise for Darius the Great Deserves Better

Advance Praise for Darius the Great Deserves Better

"Khorram explores the intersection of Iranian and queer identity with aching tenderness and realism. This book is like a cup of tea that is as comforting as it is bold. I love it."--Abdi Nazemian, Stonewall Honor-winning author of Like a Love Story

"Khorram manages the impossible: A stunning follow-up to Darius the Great Is Not Okay that stands alone as a masterful exploration of love, grief, and desire. This isn't just a book I needed as a teenager; it's one I need right now."--Mark Oshiro, award-winning author of Anger Is a Gift

"I'm absolutely in love with this book. Adib Khorram has written another wise and charming tale that explores all the complexities of intersectional identities with heart and humor."--Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor-winning author of Other Words for Home

Awards and Praise for Darius the Great Is Not Okay

William C. Morris Debut Award
Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor

"Khorram writes tenderly and humorously about his protagonist's journey of self-acceptance, making it hard not to want to reach through the pages, squeeze his hand and reassure Darius that he is, in fact, going to be O.K." --The New York Times

* "Khorram's debut novel is filled with insight into the lives of teens, weaving together the reality of living with mental illness while also dealing with identity and immigration politics. This tear-jerker will leave readers wanting to follow the next chapter in Darius's life." --Kirkus, starred review