Stonewall Book Award Winner!
A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed UK 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.
A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed UK 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.
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2
gaia
(Grade: B) A fine coming of age story, which reminded me much of the writing of Sapphire, whom the character references late in the novel. I enjoyed it for the story of black queerness. Need more books like this, these days, although I think the writing quality could be improved.
(Grade: B) A fine coming of age story, which reminded me much of the writing of Sapphire, whom the character references late in the novel. I enjoyed it for the story of black queerness. Need more books like this, these days, although I think the writing quality could be improved.(Rated on Jun 30, 2020)
2
HeathersCorner
(Grade: B+) This was a very cute, queer YA story with some great poetry. The fake memoir style really worked for the story and I liked the narrative voice (and the British accent of the author on the audiobook)! However I wish the drag plot started earlier in the book and there were a few things that seemed to wrap up or connect too neatly.
(Grade: B+) This was a very cute, queer YA story with some great poetry. The fake memoir style really worked for the story and I liked the narrative voice (and the British accent of the author on the audiobook)! However I wish the drag plot started earlier in the book and there were a few things that seemed to wrap up or connect too neatly.(Rated on Jul 19, 2020)
1
sperchikoff
(Grade: A+) Such a brilliant coming of age story. Difficult at some moments and utter happiness at others.
(Grade: A+) Such a brilliant coming of age story. Difficult at some moments and utter happiness at others.(Rated on Dec 22, 2020)
1
ladyflash (Grade: B) A shorter read than I expected but enjoyable enough coming of age story.
(Grade: B) A shorter read than I expected but enjoyable enough coming of age story.(Rated on Dec 13, 2020)