The Black Flamingo

Written by Dean Atta

Narrated by Dean Atta

Stonewall Book Award Winner * A Time Magazine Best YA Book of All Time

A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed poet and performer Dean Atta. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jason Reynolds, and Kacen Callender.

Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he’s navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican—but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough.

As he gets older, Michael’s coming out is only the start of learning who he is and where he fits in. When he discovers the Drag Society, he finally finds where he belongs—and the Black Flamingo is born.

Told with raw honesty, insight, and lyricism, this debut explores the layers of identity that make us who we are—and allow us to shine.

""In this uplifting coming-of-age novel told in accessible verse, Atta chronicles the growth and glory of Michael Angeli, a mixed-race kid from London, as he navigates his cultural identity as Cypriot and Jamaican as well as his emerging sexuality."" (Publishers Weekly, ""An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List"")

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063003934

Dean Atta

Dean Atta’s poems deal with themes of race, gender, and identity. He regularly performs across the UK and internationally and his work has been shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize and appeared on MTV and BET. The Black Flamingo is his debut YA novel. You can find him online at www.deanatta.com.

Reviews for The Black Flamingo

[Izzi Doucette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a fantastic story of self acceptance and identity. I loved every moment if this story.

[kishan sabi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Remember that you have the right to be proud. Remember you have the right to be you.

[Adrienne Luca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is exquisite and Michael is a beautiful character. His journey of self discovery is an enlightening, emotional, fun and very well written.
The discussion around gender, race and identity is important and central to the main plot of the book. A brilliant execution of growth, self discovery, pain, acceptance, self love and rebirth.
Absolutely recommend if you're in the market for black, queer literature. This book will teach you to check your privilege and think before you speak, as well.

[isaboa t. · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is so good and deserves all the attention and love that it's getting right now. There are so many emotions going through me right now that I have trouble putting them into words... The story, the messages and the Black Flamingo are absolutely amazing and I enjoyed every second of it!

[Nasya Prilita · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The writing was lovely. I recommend this for everyone, and this book deserves more attention!

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars - a fascinating coming of age and coming out novel, this was absolutely beautiful to listen to as read by the author. Atta didn't shy away from the main character making the same kinds of mistakes that were done to him, and it made Michael seem so much more authentic - for example, a close friend makes a homophobic comment to Michael that he calls out, but then later he is called out by a different friend for some of his own internalized racism, when it comes to who he is attracted to.
It was lovely to see him grow from child to adult, and how perspectives and reactions differed. I loved that his mom seemed mostly supportive, but sometimes stumbled, and the same for his best-friend. I think this just had such realistically unperfect but trying characters.

[Katie Tharp · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing narration and amazing memoir. I felt like I could see his life completely.

[gmaccagnociccarelli · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I need a physical copy to annotate and highlight, powerful words and beautiful rhythm.

[Eric Lynch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed myself while reading this book. But not my favorite book ever.

[Bruno Sbruzzi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is SO powerful! Loved every second of it. Looking forward to read more of the author.

[Ines Klante · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dean gets in your head, with his voice, and stays.

[Alyssa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written. ? I also liked the way it was narrated.

[Claire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

it was amazing. so so beautiful. i'm so glad i was able to listen to it. i will definitely buy my own copy. totally recommend!

[Sarah Perchikoff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

oh my goodness this is absolute light. Loved this story so much!

[Connie Lemke · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was a
N easy read. Sometimes slow and little action .

[Monica Morris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This powerful story told in verse chronicles important moments of Michael’s life. As the story is told from childhood through his college experience, it weaves the tale of a boy figuring out his sexuality as well as his own sense of self. This is a really important story that you should definitely read! The audiobook is narrated by the author, which is definitely the format I recommend.

[Wendoline Mercado Rojano · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was alright. I liked the ending; but I wasn't a fan of other parts of the story. Points for pride, though.

[Victoria Edelsbrunner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful book, wonderfully narrated. Everyone should read it. Think I'd like to buy a copy because of the lovely poems. I've heard there are illustrations too.

[Aryafoot 12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful writen and read. Everyone should give this book a listen!

[Parker Gladhart-Wells · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the mix of story and poetry.

Far too often stories about queer people are all about the struggles they have because of not being accepted and that is the focus of the story. This is all about a kid who happens to be queer, has the struggles of acceptance and fitting in but it's more about the journey of self discovery and owning who they are as a person. I kept waiting for the horror, the terrible thing that happens to black, queer people and it never came. Not to say that he didn't struggle with being black and queer but he also struggled with family, friends, fitting in, love, school, and other things that people just experience.

[Keelin M · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A powerful book about a boy figuring out his identity every step of the way.

[Effie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutly amazing!!! It's the first young adult queer book I've read by a non greek speaking author that has a greek element and I loved it so much.

[agnes izah · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The simple writing, issues disscused about race and identity. Also, Family loving you no matter what you choose to be. I loved that Micheal came out, found himself and didn't have to hide under any mask. Totally wonderful and would absolutely recommend.

[Lilly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

❄ "This book is a fairy tale in which I am the prince and the princess. I am the king and the queen. I am my own wicked witch and fairy godmother. This book is a fairy tale in which I'm cursed and blessed by others. But finally, I am fair y finding my own magic (Atta 1)." ❄
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"The Black Flamingo" by Dean Atta is a coming to age novel where the main character Michael a mix-race gay teen who grows up in London and how he goes through life and how he finds his identity.
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I would give "The Black Flamingo" by Dean Atta a ????? star review because, 1; this story is so sweet 2; it's incredible 3; the poetry touched me (a gay person) so deeply and I felt connected 4; this book is a piece that's meant to celebrate love, youth, LGBBTQ+, and blackness which you would feel during reading so.

[Xiomy Santiago · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

OMG this was such wondeful read it has heart and soul a story about discovering who you are in a world that wants to classify or conform you into a mold. It is beautifully written and that prologue was so emotional!

[Suncere Frehley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written! The prose and poetry blend together like the colors of a sunset, each distinct and stunning. I loved this book!! ❤️

[Sophia Reyes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. Absolutely incredible. This was beautiful and should be a must read for everyone.

[Bianca Mathe Reichelt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written. Poetic and authentic. Loved it! The story presents a few hypocrisies one may encounter in society but the characters are beautifully fleshed out. It does not feel contrived. Even the poems belong in this book. It chooses to be itself. Unique and self loving ?

[Mari · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very touching and inspiring story, especially for someone who might be in a similar situation as the main character, or even one of the side characters. An amazing read

[Serena · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Empowering and sweet coming of age story. You'll want to hug the main character and erupt in applause throughout the whole book.