Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those YA novels that does something genuinely important: it normalizes mental health struggles without making them a Very Special Episode. Darius takes his antidepressants, goes to therapy, and still has bad days—and that's just part of his life, not his entire identity.

The Iran trip is beautifully rendered, full of specific details (faludeh! rooftop conversations! Persian tea culture!) that make it feel real rather than exotic. The friendship with Sohrab is the heart of the book—quiet, meaningful, and transformative without being melodramatic.

Yes, there's bullying with sexual references and some heavy family dynamics, but it's all in service of an honest, tender story about a kid who just wants to feel like enough. The writing is sharp, funny, and deeply empathetic. This isn't a hard read in terms of complexity, but it is emotionally weighty—save it for kids who can sit with sadness and come out the other side.

A strong, meaningful addition to any teen's reading list, especially for kids navigating identity, mental health, or feeling like they're caught between worlds.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17. The depression themes, verbal bullying with sexual references, and emotional complexity require maturity. Middle schoolers on the older/more mature side will connect deeply; younger readers might find it heavy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Deeply compassionate portrayal of a teen navigating clinical depression, cultural identity, and family dynamics. Models genuine friendship, cross-cultural understanding, and emotional vulnerability. The relationship with Sohrab is tender and authentic. Handles mental health medication matter-of-factly. Father-son tension is realistic but not gratuitous. Bullying is present but not glorified.

Imaginative

72

Strong cultural exploration through Darius's first trip to Iran—discovering Persian food, language, and family traditions. The dual identity as 'Fractional Persian' who knows more Klingon than Farsi is clever. However, this is primarily a contemporary realistic novel focused on internal growth rather than fantastical or highly creative world-building. The imagination lies in empathy and perspective-taking.

Safe

75

Common Sense Media and Rated Reads note verbal bullying with sexual innuendos and references, plus vandalism. Clinical depression and medication are central themes—handled responsibly but could be heavy for younger or sensitive readers. No graphic content, but the emotional weight of depression, family strain, and feeling 'not enough' requires maturity. Generally age-appropriate for YA audience but not for middle-grade unexpectedly.

Enriching

92

Exceptional representation of Persian-American identity, mental health normalization, and the nuanced experience of being biracial. Teaches empathy for depression, cultural dislocation, and family complexity. The portrayal of a father with depression and a son with depression is rare and valuable. Builds understanding of Iran beyond stereotypes. Winner of the William C. Morris Debut Award. Offers meaningful growth without dramatic transformation—just honest, incremental healing.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Rare, authentic portrayal of clinical depression in a teen—medication, therapy, and all—without making it the whole story
Beautiful cross-cultural exploration that shows Iran as a real place with faludeh, soccer, and rooftop conversations, not a news headline
The friendship between Darius and Sohrab is genuinely tender and life-changing without being cheesy
Tackles the 'not enough' feeling—not American enough, not Persian enough, not good enough—that so many kids feel
Award-winning debut (William C. Morris) that's both heartbreaking and funny, with Star Trek references and Klingon jokes

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What to Watch For

Bullying includes sexual innuendos and mean nicknames—handled realistically but could be uncomfortable
Depression is a central theme; Darius struggles with self-worth, medication side effects, and a father who also has depression
Family tension is real—particularly between Darius and his dad—and might hit close to home for some families
Best for kids 12+ who can handle emotional heaviness and nuanced family dynamics

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in anywhere, like Darius being 'Fractional Persian'? What helped?"
"What do you think about how the book shows depression and medication? Does it feel realistic or different from what you've seen before?"
"Darius and his dad both have depression but handle it differently. What did you notice about their relationship?"
"What surprised you most about Iran in the book? Did it match or challenge what you thought you knew?"
"Sohrab calls him 'Darioush' and it changes how Darius feels about himself. Have you ever had someone see you differently than you saw yourself?"

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Darius the Great Is Not Okay