"Stonewall winner Atta's novel in verse is an exquisite and detailed look at friendship, compromises, family, and love, deftly capturing Mack's insecurities in a voice authentic to the high-school experience.... The vivid, multifaceted depiction of teenage emotions makes this highly recommended." - Booklist (starred review)
"An emotional free verse novel... traces a slow-burn love triangle that avoids excusing Mack's actions, centering a protagonist whose emotional arc unpacks themes of young love and self-acceptance alongside intersections of body image, gender identity, race, and sexuality." - Publishers Weekly
"This slow-burn novel in verse is a raw, real, deep dive
into the messy internal world of its relatable main character. Readers will become attached to Mack and will want to know exactly how this love triangle plays out." -
School Library Journal"Raw beauty and honesty are the verse novel's greatest strengths." -
Kirkus ReviewsPRAISE FOR THE BLACK FLAMINGO: "Courage and fierceness abound in this lyrical coming-of-age story...Gripping, unflinching, and unforgettable." -
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Atta's story uplifts as it informs and entertains as it affirms." -
Publishers Weekly (starred review)"A triumphant and emotional story about standing up for and embracing oneself that readers of any orientation and ethnicity will relate to." -
School Library Journal (starred review)The Black Flamingo presents expertly crafted, stirring poetry to portray an unforgettable teen who lives his liberation and truth in drag." -
Shelf Awareness (starred review)"Winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, this British verse novel by a poet and drag performer offers a welcome exploration of the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality.... [A] memorable YA debut." -
Horn Book Magazine"Captures its audience from the very first page, with verse poetry that grows and matures alongside its protagonist.... Michael's internal dissonances are relatable on the most human level, leaving readers in a state of ultimate euphoria when he finally finds family in the Drag Society." -
ALA Booklist"Unexpected and beautiful." -
Buzzfeed"A novel in verse, Michael's tale explores how our identities and our discomfort mold us. Winner of the prestigious Stonewall Book Award, Atta's thick debut novel is a fast read about a young man learning to feel comfortable in his own skin." -
them"
The Black Flamingo is an essential addition to the canon of queer coming-of-age stories. Dean Atta has gifted us with words that are lyrical, hilarious and intimate. I'm obsessed with this book and you will be too." -
Abdi Nazemian, Stonewall Honor-winning author of Like a Love Story
