Darius the Great is Not Okay

Darius is a young man who struggles with his mental health and with his relationships at home. But after visiting his relatives in Iran for the first time, he learns about the country, the culture, and—most of all—about himself. In this contemporary novel, the Persian culture is highlighted as Darius discovers his heritage and his place in the family, while finding a new perspective and a stronger sense of self. Suitable for students in Grade 10–12, this novel about the personal experience of an American-born teenager with Persian heritage may expand student insight into diversity and culture. The resource may be used to support the study of foreign countries and mental health perspectives around the world, and the book’s themes of personal and cultural identity can invite creative and critical thinking activities.