The Black Flamingo

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: 9780062990310

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

[Andrea Noneofyourbusiness · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it but I wish we knew what more happened w/ Kieran

[Ronda Sue Wingo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved seeing him find true friends and himself through drag

[sweet tea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it so much you have no idea!! I think I will be rereading this one pretty soon since I read it basically in one sitting. If you have any doubts whether you should read it or not. Don’t. Just read it and thank me later <3

[tuusannuuska-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really nice coming of age story with a lot to say about belonging to a marginalized group.

I'm really wary about reading young adult, because I'm closer to being middle aged than to being a teenager and have trouble relating to all than many young adult novels. This was was written in a tone that really got me, even though I have no first hand experience of the things the main character went through.

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

audiobook (read by author) teen/adult fiction, winner of 2020 stonewall book award for youth
Biracial (Jamaican/Greek-Cyprus) British, gay boy grows up with absent father, comes out to various people at various times, deals with race issues, discovers the drag community, starts to date. #ownvoices author.
written in lyrical verse, this is a relatively quick read and it is a joy to spend time with Michael--a sweet child who grows into a strong man, who has only ever wanted people to love him for who he is. He doesn't ever get the exact Barbie doll that he asked his mother for when he was six, but he does find plenty of love and support from his friends when he steps out in drag. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ recommended.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fierce, fabulous, and inspiring. Written in verse this coming of age teen novel tells of a young boy's journey to acceptance and self love. Michael is mixed raced queer Londoner who has always had an idea of who he is but never felt he truly fit in anywhere. When he goes away to college he discovers the drag society and it's the missing piece of the puzzle. Suddenly things make more sense and Michael has the clarity and the confidence that he aspired to for so long. Moving and honest, this uplifting tale inspires readers to find their own spotlight and revel in it. Fantastic.

[tapestry100 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A remarkably beautiful book. More to come later.