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The Black Flamingo

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About this listen

Fiercely told, this is a powerful coming-of-age story told in verse, from one of the UK's leading poets, Dean Atta.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan and Poet X.

A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers - to show ourselves to the world in bold colour.

'I masquerade in makeup and feathers and I am applauded.'

©2019 Dean Atta (P)2019 Hodder Children’s Books Dating & Sex Difficult Situations Family & Relationships Growing Up & Facts of Life LGBTQ+ LGBTQIA+ Creators Literature & Fiction Dating

The Pride List of Queer Storytelling

To mark Pride 2023 Audible teamed up with non-profit organisation, Out on the Page, supporter and champion of LGBTQIA+ writers and writing, to release an extensive Pride List of Queer Storytelling. Featuring contributions from some of the UK’s most important and exciting voices from the LGBTQIA+ community, this audiobook is one of the many featured on the list that is available to listen to on Audible.
Explore the list

Critic reviews

"A bold and joyous hymn to self-discovery and acceptance." (The Bookseller)
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this book so much and I love it being read by Dean Atta himself. I have read the book multiple times and have done the same with the audio book here on audible.

Amazing book

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Dean Atta's poetry clarifies beautifully what it is to be Black and Queer and illustrates the joys and freedoms of drag. Love.

essential middle grade/ya literature

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Uplifting and illuminating coming-of-age LGBTQ tale.

It's a genre I don't tend to gravitate towards, so when I do read stories of gay teens I usually find something revealing that makes me appreciate the experience of those whose lives are different from my own - it's certainly vital to be taken outside your comfort zone and see the world through the eyes and experiences of others.

And Michael is rather a joy to share a few hours with. From his early years loving his Barbie and kissing other boys innocently at parties, to the first crushes and adolescent yearnings, to University and sexual experiences, we are taken through an adolescence of a young gay man who knows who and what he is and is seeking his future path and identity, the same as any teenager.

With family and friends, with relationships that fail or falter, with access to his internal monologue, it's a personal voyage with a young man you really want to succeed in life, to find love and acceptance. I was reminded of 'Everybody's Talking about Jamie' at times, the musical theatre production, for the uplifting moments, the gradual move the protagonist makes towards his likely path.

I loved the fact that the author narrated this for Audible, his voice really brought Michael to life. The audiobook kept me listening, even when I needed to stop for other things, I just wanted to stay with the story and find out what was next for Michael. Readers will enjoy listening to this as well as following on paper.

I learnt a lot about the experience of a gay teen, and Michael has the added element of being Cypriot-Jamaican as well, which was mentioned in the story. The University scenes reminded me of my own first days as a Fresher, the ending pitched just right for a warming conclusion.

A great choice for secondary school libraries and classrooms, an honest portrayal with heart.
For ages 13 and above.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

Uplifting and illuminating LGBTQ tale

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I loved the fact that the author read it himself and the fact he was so confidant in reading it

the black flamingo

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Thought provoking and interesting read, east to listen to and likeable characters. Only negative was it wasn’t longer

Great read

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