
Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a powerful young adult novel exploring the complex journey of Darius Kellner, an Iranian-American teenager living with clinical depression. When his family travels to Iran to visit his dying grandfather, Darius grapples with cultural differences, bullying, and a strained relationship with his father. Through an unlikely friendship with a local boy, Sohrab, Darius begins to find his voice, embrace his heritage, and confront his mental health struggles. This book offers a sensitive portrayal of depression, cultural identity, and the transformative power of connection, making it ideal for readers aged 12 and up.
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Sign in to write a reviewProtagonist experiences bullying at school and briefly from peers in Iran.
Sohrab's father dies off-page, leading to a significant emotional impact on Sohrab.
Sohrab's father was jailed by the Iranian government, implying political danger.