The Black Flamingo: A Novel

Dean Atta

May 2020 · HarperCollins

About this eBook

Winner of the Stonewall Book Award: a YA verse novel about coming of age, being yourself, and the power of drag.

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 novel explores the layers of identity that make us who we are—and allow us to shine.

A Time Magazine Best YA Book Of All Time

Ratings and reviews

I just finished this book and I got to say, it deserves the hype! This book was so beautifully written and I loved learning about Michael and his story. I loved how he learned to love himself! The only thing I really wanted more from in the book was more drag scenes, as we only really got one, but overall this was a great read and I am so happy I picked it up!

I was so in love with this book. I took it everywhere with me and I couldn't stop reading it.

Beautifully written. Emotional, Sensitive, Honest. A Great read.

About the author

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.