Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram reads as warm, introspective. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.
A tender, self-deprecating first-person coming-of-age set against a first trip to Iran, where a new friendship gently cracks open questions of identity, depression, and belonging. Warm and often funny, with a heartbreak-tinged emotional core. Best for: readers who want a warm, character-driven YA about mental health, cultural identity, and a life-changing friendship.

It's a complete, standalone-satisfying story.
It's young adult — teen protagonists with crossover appeal.
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