From the Publisher
Courage and fierceness abound in this lyrical coming-of-age story…Gripping, unflinching, and unforgettable.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Atta’s story uplifts as it informs and entertains as it affirms.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A triumphant and emotional story about standing up for and embracing oneself that readers of any orientation and ethnicity will relate to.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
"The Black Flamingo presents expertly crafted, stirring poetry to portray an unforgettable teen who lives his liberation and truth in drag." — Shelf Awareness (starred review)
“Winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, this British verse novel by a poet and drag performer offers a welcome exploration of the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality…. [A] memorable YA debut.” — Horn Book Magazine
"Captures its audience from the very first page, with verse poetry that grows and matures alongside its protagonist…. Michael’s internal dissonances are relatable on the most human level, leaving readers in a state of ultimate euphoria when he finally finds family in the Drag Society.” — ALA Booklist
"Unexpected and beautiful." — Buzzfeed
“A novel in verse, Michael’s tale explores how our identities and our discomfort mold us. Winner of the prestigious Stonewall Book Award, Atta’s thick debut novel is a fast read about a young man learning to feel comfortable in his own skin.” — them.
"The Black Flamingo is an essential addition to the canon of queer coming-of-age stories. Dean Atta has gifted us with words that are lyrical, hilarious and intimate. I’m obsessed with this book and you will be too." — Abdi Nazemian, author of Like a Love Story
“Celebratory and passionate, Atta’s bold verse novel calls to its readers to find their own blazing, performative inner truth” — The Guardian
“Inspiring” — The Irish Times
“One of poetry’s greatest modern voices” — Gay Times
“Bold and joyous hymn to self-discover and acceptance” — Bookseller (UK)
“An excellent book to spark discussions, break down barriers, open peoples eyes to other lives” 4* — Independent Book Review
The Guardian
Celebratory and passionate, Atta’s bold verse novel calls to its readers to find their own blazing, performative inner truth”
them.
A novel in verse, Michael’s tale explores how our identities and our discomfort mold us. Winner of the prestigious Stonewall Book Award, Atta’s thick debut novel is a fast read about a young man learning to feel comfortable in his own skin.
ALA Booklist
"Captures its audience from the very first page, with verse poetry that grows and matures alongside its protagonist…. Michael’s internal dissonances are relatable on the most human level, leaving readers in a state of ultimate euphoria when he finally finds family in the Drag Society.”
Buzzfeed
"Unexpected and beautiful."
Shelf Awareness (starred review)
"The Black Flamingo presents expertly crafted, stirring poetry to portray an unforgettable teen who lives his liberation and truth in drag."
Horn Book Magazine
Winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, this British verse novel by a poet and drag performer offers a welcome exploration of the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality…. [A] memorable YA debut.”
Abdi Nazemian
"The Black Flamingo is an essential addition to the canon of queer coming-of-age stories. Dean Atta has gifted us with words that are lyrical, hilarious and intimate. I’m obsessed with this book and you will be too."
The Irish Times
Inspiring
Independent Book Review
An excellent book to spark discussions, break down barriers, open peoples eyes to other lives” 4*
Bookseller (UK)
Bold and joyous hymn to self-discover and acceptance
Gay Times
One of poetry’s greatest modern voices
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2020-02-09
Courage and fierceness abound in this lyrical coming-of-age story about a young boy finding his way.
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. Michael, a British boy of Greek Cypriot and Jamaican descent, feels caught between worlds: black and white, masculine and feminine, straight and gay. 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. 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. 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. 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. Michael’s journey of self-discovery demonstrates the importance of not allowing labels to define you.
Gripping, unflinching, and unforgettable. (Verse novel. 12-18)
