Preview
  • The Black Flamingo

  • By: Dean Atta
  • Narrated by: Dean Atta
  • Length: 3 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (139 ratings)

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The Black Flamingo

By: Dean Atta
Narrated by: Dean Atta
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Publisher's summary

Stonewall Book Award Winner
A Time Magazine Best YA Book of All Time

A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed 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.

"In this uplifting coming-of-age novel told in accessible verse, Atta chronicles the growth and glory of Michael Angeli, a mixed-race kid from London, as he navigates his cultural identity as Cypriot and Jamaican as well as his emerging sexuality." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")

©2020 Dean Atta (P)2020 HarperAudio
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Interview: 'The Black Flamingo' Sings the Joys of Drag

'I think especially as a Black man, to be an LGBT role model is important...'
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  • The Black Flamingo
  • 'I think especially as a Black man, to be an LGBT role model is important...'

Featured Article: Audible Essentials—The Top 100 LGBTQIA+ Listens of All Time


While LGBTQIA+ creators have been around for millennia, it’s only recently that we’ve been hearing more diverse, more queer-authored, and more queer-performed stories about the entire spectrum of LGBTQIA+ experiences and identities. This list—just like the community it represents—is meant to be fluid. But most importantly, it’s meant to celebrate and reflect on the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people everywhere.

What listeners say about The Black Flamingo

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Omg!

Not only is it beautifully written, it is a beautiful representation of a beautiful person’s journey. I think this book could be educational for so many people who don’t understand the lgbtq community. Thank you for writing it! I work with many queer kids.. so thank you, thank you, thank you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful and Powerful

Verse novels aren't something I read a lot of. Before I would have probably said not my thing. Absolutely loved this! It's read by the Author and that gives it extra meaning. Would definitely read/listen to this Author again.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Be real. Be you.

I was not sure at first about the story but as Mike grew as a person, as he worked at becoming his real self, I came to admire him. Brought me to tears at the end. His courage. His truth. So good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

BRILLIANT!

Finished it in one day. Raw and Wholesome. The poetry stood out like crown jewels. I'm not crying...YOU are crying 😂

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautifully written

This book is beautiful and funny and gripping and deeply necessary. The Black Flamingo is the story of so many queer, black men navigating the intersections of identity. Seeing Michael grow from childhood to young adulthood is such a refreshing perspective. I laughed, cried, screamed, and reflected on my own journey. This story is beautiful.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Bold and unapologetic

An unapologetic perspective on being who you are without the consent of others. I love the poetry, the pacing, and the insight into how Michael grew up like so many others.

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