Iranian on his mother’s side and white American on his father’s side, Darius never quite fits in. When Darius’ grandfather becomes terminally ill, Darius, along with his parents and younger sister, travels to Iran for the first time in his life. Gripping, unflinching, and unforgettable.ĭarius Kellner suffers from depression, bullying by high school jocks, and a father who seems to always be disappointed in him. Michael’s journey of self-discovery demonstrates the importance of not allowing labels to define you. Central to the narrative is Michael’s loving yet complicated relationship with his hardworking single mother, who sees his talent, values his spirit, and sacrifices for him. Featuring a diverse cast of supporting characters, from Daisy, Michael’s mixed-race (Black/White) best friend, to the red-haired drama kid whom he shyly asks out, the author uses Michael’s first-person narration as a mirror to reflect the world and its brightness, humor, and horrors. Every moment, from asking for a Barbie for his birthday and receiving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to legally discarding the surname of the father who walked out on him, brings Michael vibrantly to life on the page, giving readers a protagonist to cry with and cheer for. His story, told in verse form, allows readers to watch him grow and to experience each of the triumphs and tragedies that help him define himself on his own terms. Michael, a British boy of Greek Cypriot and Jamaican descent, feels caught between worlds: Black and White, masculine and feminine, straight and gay. In his latest work, Atta flawlessly captures the pain, rage, and resilience of a boy growing to manhood while feeling like an outsider in his own life. Courage and fierceness abound in this lyrical coming-of-age story about a young boy finding his way.
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