Darius the Great Deserves Better (Darius the Great #2)

Gr 8 Up--In the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Iranian American Darius's sexuality is inferred, but never stated. Now Darius is out, has a boyfriend, and is supported by his family and high school soccer teammates. He video-chats with his best friend and family in Iran for updates about his dying grandfather, but while Iran's landscapes and Persian culture are spotlighted in the first book, here the focus is on Darius navigating the complexities of being a multiracial gay teenager. He continues to be bullied, but Darius is more concerned with his younger sister Laleh's first experiences with racism and microaggressions. As his parents struggle financially and, like Darius, with depression, his aloof, queer grandmothers are asked to live with the family for a while to help out. They eventually open up as family dilemmas force them to be more involved, and Darius learns a little about their relationship and LGBTQIA+ history. This is a page-turning YA romance at its core. The repeating line, "That's normal, right?" reminds readers that Darius is an insecure teenager who is trying to figure out life, just like everybody else. The author skillfully places worries about being uncircumcised and having inopportune erections alongside descriptions of elegant oolong tea tastings. The soccer team's supportive culture, established by their Black female coach, is set neatly within the frame of Darius's tense family dynamic. VERDICT Khorram again presents an artful tapestry of sci-fi fandom, Persian culture, soccer, racism, sexuality, depression, family crises, a love triangle, and endless amounts of global teas in Darius's compelling story. Despite all of the seemingly disparate elements, this is a seamless and profound YA novel with a memorable and endearing main character.--Elaine Fultz, Oakwood City Sch., Dayton, OH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Darius the Great Deserves Better

★ This coming-of-age masterpiece packs a multitude of truth and heart. . . . A sequel that gets better and better the longer it steeps. —Kirkus, starred review

★ "Khorram again presents an artful tapestry of sci-fi fandom, Persian culture, soccer, racism, sexuality, depression, family crises, a love triangle, and endless amounts of global teas in Darius's compelling story. . . . This is a seamless and profound YA novel with a memorable and endearing main character."—School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Delightful." —Booklist

"Through intimate, conversational narration, Khorram provides moments of levity . . . as well as insight into insecurities. . . . and leaves readers curious and hopeful about where his journey will take him next." —The Horn Book

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

A perfect blend of affirmation, hope, and love. Adib Khorram is one of my favorite authors of today.
—Kacen Callender, award-winning author of Felix Ever After

Adib Khorram has done it again. Darius the Great Deserves Better is a gift of a novel, hiting all the right notes like a perfectly balanced tea—heartwarming and hilarious and beautifully honest. Fans of Darius Kellner, rest assured: This is the sequel we deserve.
—Arvin Ahmadi, author of Down & Across and Girl Gone Viral