In this companion to the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius suddenly has it all: a boyfriend, an internship, a spot on the soccer team. It's everything he's ever wanted-but what if he deserves better?Darius Kellner is having a bit of a year. Since his trip to Iran, 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, varsity soccer practices, and an internship at his favorite tea shop, things are falling into place.Then, of course, everything changes. Darius's grandmothers are in town for a long visit, and Darius can't tell whether they even like him. The internship is not going according to plan, Sohrab isn't answering Darius's calls, and Dad is far away on business. And Darius is sure he really likes Landon…but he's also been hanging out with Chip Cusumano, former bully and current soccer teammate-and well, maybe he's not so sure about anything after all.Darius was just starting to feel okay, like he finally knew what it meant to be Darius Kellner. But maybe okay isn't good enough. Maybe Darius deserves better.

Darius the Great is back!: Readers of the Morris and APALA award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay will love reconnecting with Darius just a few months after the first book took place.Darius the Great is not straight: This is a queer story outside of the coming-out genre. Darius is out, and now he's navigating his first relationships. The romance features big questions (how do you tell your first boyfriend you're not ready for sex?) and everyday joy in a smart, commercial way.True teen voice: Darius's self-deprecating voice balances lightness and real-kid sensibility with depth and honesty.Figuring out cultural identity as mixed kid: Darius is back from his first trip to Iran, and he's constantly aware of his fractional Persianness. When his little sister Laleh starts getting bullied for being brown, Darius can stand up for her like no one else.Living with depression: Darius is managing clinical depression, but as his dad's mental health suffers, he learns how to return the support his dad has always given him.