The Black Flamingo
2019 • 176 pages
Ratings18
Average rating4.3
15
Ratings18
Average rating4.3
"Intensely moving and heart-warming" Cosmo "Bold" Guardian "I loved every word" Malorie Blackman This is not about being ready, it's not even about being fierce, or fearless, IT'S ABOUT BEING FREE. Michael waits in the stage wings, wearing a pink wig, pink fluffy coat and black heels. One more step will see him illuminated by spotlight. He has been on a journey of bravery to get here, and he is almost ready to show himself to the world in bold colours ... Can he emerge as The Black Flamingo? WINNER OF THE STONEWALL BOOK AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK BOOK PRIZE *The paperback edition has beautiful gold foil added to the striking cover design*
Reviews with the most likes.
4.5 Great audio performed by Atta himself, I'll have to look at the book for the illustrations! Enjoyable novel-in-verse on finding yourself and your identity when you feel between/not enough in so many of your identities. UK setting will be a nice window for US teen readers. Loved the ending and freedom of the drag performance and how Atta took some time to give thoughtful explanations for what drag is and can be.
“Be a bit gay, be very gay.
Be the glitter that shows up
in unexpected places.”
— I don't want to pretend to be anyone, not anymore.— So who is The Black Flamingo?”— He is me, who I have been, who I am, who I hope to become. Someone fabulous, wild, and strong. With or without a costume on.
FAVE BOOK OF 2020!!!! i love the art of drag & books written in verse so i knew i would love this one, but i didn't expect it to make me feel as much as i did. i just wanna give michael a hug. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK. PLEASE READ IT.
“your ignorance may be innocent but your racism is real” -Dean Atta
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