Darius Kellner is having a bit of a year. Since his trip to Iran this past spring, 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, his varsity soccer practices, and his internship at his favourite tea shop, Darius is feeling pretty okay. Like he finally knows what it means to be Darius Kellner. Then, of course, everything changes. Darius's grandmothers are in town for a long visit while his dad is gone on business, and Darius isn't sure whether they even like him. The internship isn't what Darius thought it would be, and now he doesn't know about turning tea into his career. He was sure he liked Landon, but when he starts hanging out with Chip - soccer teammate and best friend of Trent Bolger, epic bully - well, he's just not so sure about Landon anymore, either. Darius thought he knew exactly who he was and what he wanted, but maybe he was wrong. Maybe he deserves better.

About the Author
Adib Khorram lives in Kansas City, Missouri. When he isn't writing, you can probably find him trying to get his hundred-yard freestyle under a minute, learning to do a Lutz jump, or steeping a cup of oolong. His debut novel, Darius the Great Is Not Okay, earned several awards, including the William C. Morris Debut Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor.

Reviews
Praise for Darius the Great Deserves Better

Stonewall Honor Book

"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, starred review

"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



Book Information
ISBN 9780593108253
Author Adib Khorram
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Dial Books for Young Readers,US
Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
Weight(grams) 323g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 141mm * 22mm