Darius the Great Is Not Okay
Asian American and Pacific Islanders/Audiobook
darius the great is not okay
By Adib Khorram
Format 316 pages, Hardcover
Published August 28, 2018 by Dial Books
ISBN 9780525552963 (ISBN10: 0525552960)
Book summary from the publisher:
Darius doesn't think he'll ever be enough, in America or in Iran.
Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's about to take his first-ever trip to Iran, and it's pretty overwhelming—especially when he's also dealing with clinical depression, a disapproving dad, and a chronically anemic social life. In Iran, he gets to know his ailing but still formidable grandfather, his loving grandmother, and the rest of his mom's family for the first time. And he meets Sohrab, the boy next door who changes everything.
Sohrab makes sure people speak English so Darius can understand what's going on. He gets Darius an Iranian National Football Team jersey that makes him feel like a True Persian for the first time. And he understands that sometimes, best friends don't have to talk. Darius has never had a true friend before, but now he's spending his days with Sohrab playing soccer, eating rosewater ice cream, and sitting together for hours in their special place, a rooftop overlooking the Yazdi skyline.
Sohrab calls him Darioush—the original Persian version of his name—and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he's Darioush to Sohrab. When it's time to go home to America, he'll have to find a way to be Darioush on his own.
My Thoughts:
Oh, how I enjoyed this book! You can't help but root for Darius and Sohrab, as they grow a meaningful, tender friendship not often depicted between boys. The exploration of mental health and the way it impacts teens, adults, and whole families is done well and imparts important truths about coping skills, overcoming stigma, and how much strength it takes to work through these things, especially while navigating adolescence. It also shows that progress is possible and reminds the reader that there is hope for things to get better.
I also enjoyed learning about the Persian culture and customs, as well as the opportunity to "visit" Iranian landmarks through the outings the family went on. The book also highlights issues faced by Iranian people, bullying, and prejudice against religious and ethnic groups in the US and abroad. This could inspire good discussion or further exploration.
Programming ideas:
Display photos of the sites visited in the book so students can see and learn about them.
Sample popular Persian dishes and tea. If there are students or community members who would be interested in speaking about Persian culture, invite them to do so.
Set up a tea bar so students can sample different kinds of tea.
Share information and resources about teen and family mental health. Help break down the stigma surrounding mental health struggles. Invite the guidance counselor or school social work to collaborate.
Set up an affirmation station where students can write post-it-notes of encouragement to share with classmates or on a board.
Provide the supplies and information for creating a calming box or mental health resource kit that students can put together and take. Ideas include mindfulness activities, simple yoga poses, info about helplines and local resources, crafts like making stress balls or mini sand gardens, printed quotes, journals, coloring sheets, etc.