The Black Flamingo

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.

"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