In a nutshell, I adored everything about this book!

Written beautifully through the medium of verse, Dean Atta tells the story of 'Michael' (who one can only imagine to be at least partially a representation of Atta himself).
Michael is a boy from a 'mixed-race' background, who not only finds himself struggling with racial identity, but on top of that, has to contend with the growing realisation that he's also gay.

With support and acceptance, our character is seen growing in confidence and once at university in (extremely 'gay friendly') Brighton, feels comfortable enough in his own skin that he begins working on a drag act. Performing as The Black Flamingo, Michael at last feels free to be 'himself'.

I was actually dubious before reading this, despite holding this author in high regard as a poet and performer. I wasn't sure that it would work telling a story in sustained free verse (as I've seen this done badly about as often as I've seen success). However, I think Dean Atta's experience as a performance poet makes this better, as he uses rhythm to great effect and marks important points in the plot by breaking in with a stand-alone poem (which works well too).

The 'Black Flamingo' character originates in a news programme and a comment from Michael grandfather. The news story is about an actual black flamingo, which the expert interviewed says is:

"the opposite/of an albino. 'Too much/ melanin,' he says. Camera pans/the salt lake full of pink/but my eye is drawn/to that one black body/in the flamboyance."

His grandfather comments on the next evening when the flamingo features again:

"Why does it matter if he's black?"
Adding, "The other flamingos don't care."
And I'm certain what he's saying is:
"I love you."

The author acknowledges the role trans and nonbinary people have played in the equality movement. Masculinity, both healthy and toxic, are introduced and examined.
He also brings in questions of cultural appropriation with the wearing of locs by so many "white guys" on the university campus. Michael is also wearing his hair in dreadlocks - though his are short, neat and well-maintained - and begins to wondering whether he should, given he isn't 'fully' black himself (but then, neither is he 'fully' white). This feeling of not belonging in either culture is something worth bringing up, I've seen it discussed in other poems and stories presented as part of curriculums for teens. It's important, because these are fairly universal experiences at that age, reaching to establish an identity of your own.

The Epilogue, titled 'How To Come Out As Gay', I've already seen, loved and shared because it also features in a collection from a variety of authors called 'Proud'.

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book. It covers a lot of important ground in an interesting, entertaining way - with being too preachy or descending into being a dry 'educational' work. Dean Atta is a great writer and you can pair this book with video of the author performing as the Black Flamingo himself.

Highly recommended for Young Adult readers (not too young as there are some sexual scenes included).
A full five stars from me.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

A beautifully written, empathetic look at a young boy searching for who he really is. Absolutely wonderful.

I was keen to read this book as it sounded really different - plus it was set in the UK, which surprised me (in a good way), although I'm not sure why. I find I'm enjoying verse novels more and more and am constantly amazed about how so few words on a page can say so much. This tells Michael's story; through wanting a Barbie for Christmas, to not knowing what he wants, to figuring out his sexuality, then discovering drag, and emerging at university as the Black Flamingo. It's a really beautiful, poignant, yet realistic story, with nothing seedy, sordid or gratuitous in the detail. A gently dramatic coming of age book for the real world.

I enjoyed this coming of age story. It gave me a perspective very different from my own. This will make a good addition to the library, giving others the chance to see themselves within this book. I cannot wait to go out and find a finished copy as it looks like it is going to be beautiful and I expect seeing the illustrations in full will really add to the reading experience.

Told in free verse, this heartfelt story follows Michael from birth to university as he discovers his identity and finds the people who will stand with him. Mixed in is the poetry he writes to try to understand himself and his reactions and those of the people around him. This is a lovely, quick read with beautiful illustrations. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time.

Be aware, there is a lot of discussion of sex and some drugs.

Bold, beautiful and empowering. I loved the way that this was written, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the fully illustrated version when it's published. A must read for everyone about being your best self and being fierce.

Beautiful book about identity, masculinity, gender, sexuality and just being yourself, not having all these labels! I enjoyed the story of the main character, how he grew up in the book and his journey through life.

“This is not about ready, it’s not even about being fierce or fearless, it’s about being free.”

A novel in verse, this is the poignant and impassioned coming-of-age story of Michael, a mixed-race gay teen who, from nursery to university, is searching for his identity: Michael Brown. Michael Angeli. Mikey. Michalis. Mike. The Black Flamingo.

There are some particularly powerful poems nestled within this narrative; the moments that focused on fathers and blackness particularly resonated with me, but it was also beautiful to read about his Greek-Cypriot family and the wonderful drag family he finds at uni. I can tell that Michael’s story is going to be incredibly important for so many young people, particularly those who see themselves reflected in the pages of THE BLACK FLAMINGO.

Beautifully and sensitively told, this book is a must have for bookshops/ secondary school libraries. Particularly poignant during pride month, Black Flamingo is an uplifting and life affirming verse narrative and a brilliant debut.

Wow. Just finished what is now my favourite book of the year so far... Book 66 - The Black Flamingo by @deanatta .

A book of verse, prose and power, this is the perfect tale of recognising and owning your identity.
The wise, lyrical, achingly funny words and imagery perfectly capture what it is to stand out, to search for yourself in others and to find your centre.
Some of Michael's internal thoughts about growing up LGBTQ+ are so spot on its uncomfortable. It also provides a window into his racial identity, a poignant emotional, look through a window I can never hope to fully understand.

It's why #ownvoices are so important.

The only response to such an affecting book is to say thank you.

Can't wait to buy a proper copy to replace my netgalley review edition!

Full review on the @rogansbooks shop site and socials closer to release... @hachettebooks @hachettekids #theblackflamingo #pride @qyouthbedford #lgbtq

Wow! I’m not sure I have any words to describe how in love I am with this book. Dean Atta’s poetry is powerful and fierce, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know.

Beautiful, clever, eloquent and sharp, this is a beautiful coming of age story by a young new talent.

"Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers - to show ourselves to the world in bold colour."

And this verse novel does all of that and more. Beautiful, bold and brilliant.