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Poetry. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. LGBTQIA+ (Fiction.) HTML: 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")… (more)
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Biracial (Jamaican/Greek-Cyprus) British, gay boy grows up with absent father, comes out to various people at various times, deals with race issues, discovers the drag community, starts to date. #ownvoices
written in lyrical verse, this is a relatively quick read and it is a joy to spend time with Michael--a sweet child who grows into a strong man, who has only ever wanted people to love him for who he is. He doesn't ever get the exact Barbie doll that he asked his mother for when he was six, but he does find plenty of love and support from his friends when he steps out in drag. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ recommended.
I'm really wary about reading young adult, because I'm closer to being middle aged than to being a teenager and have trouble relating to all than many young adult novels. This was was written in a tone that