The Black Flamingo

Dean Atta's tender coming of age novel casts a fresh and enriching perspective on what it means to be seen as different at the level of race, culture, identity, heritage and gender ... an important book for young people

The Black Flamingo is the book I wish I had when I was younger ... joyful, emotional and full of depth

A bold and joyous hymn to self-discovery and acceptance

A very modern masterpiece

A moving coming-of-age story, written with heart and panache

The short lines give Michael's story an epigrammatic quality and an urgent pace that is deeply involving. A compact hardback edition, it has been beautifully produced by Hodder

Celebratory and passionate, Atta's bold verse novel calls to its readers to find their own blazing, performative inner truth

Ultimately inspiring

A powerful and revealing young adult novel...bold, tender and full of blossoming moments of heartache and joy

One of poetry's greatest modern voices...The Black Flamingo is a powerful coming-of-age story about finding who you are, all told in beautifully-written verse...with an overarching message of embracing who you are and showing your true colours in the world that often imposes mundanity, it's a book that anyone can appreciate

A force to be reckoned with, and a voice that demands to be heard

A deeply moving story of love, self belief and identity. It is a wonderfully honest and moving read - perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Sarah Crossan. told through beautifully constructed poetry, this is the coming of age story of Michael, a mixed race gay teen. Readers will be completely absorbed by Michael's personal journey, and will laugh, cry and cheer for him

Beautifully constructed poetry

A gorgeous and moving first person exploration of sexuality, poetry, blackness and love...a nuanced piece of freeform verse that oozes with warmth, insight and forgiveness...a beautiful piece of work, filled with love and insight and words I would have longed to read as a teenager/20-something and still to hear them again as an adult

Readers won't be left disappointed

Uplifting and dazzlingly unique

Big hearted and dizzyingly flamboyant

Beautiful, sharp, bold and utterly original

An excellent book to spark discussions, break down barriers, open peoples eyes to other lives

One of our top reads this year

This book felt both quiet and ferociously loud and proud at the same time, tackling deep emotions and giving me frequent goosebumps. It tackles toxic masculinity, internalised homophobia and racism with thought-provoking, phenomenal writing that utterly entranced me

A fierce, poetic, moving coming-of-age story...There's plenty of fabulous, rousing scenes to inspire, amuse and move. Lyrical, direct, honest and witty, The Black Flamingo is a breath-taking exploration of race, identity, sexuality and gender

This incredibly raw debut novel excellently captures internal struggles of growing up and learning to find your voice. Written in verse, this is one that is sure to make you shed a tear.