The Black Flamingo

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I did really enjoy this book though - Michael's story was compelling and beautifully told. I loved watching him grow and develop throughout. There’s even evidence that flamingoes use pigment from their glands as makeup to enhance (rosy) coloration,” says Arengo. ( Read: Flamingos Apply "Makeup" to Impress Mates). It’s important to show different types of families to children. Some children are raised by a single parent, some are raised by same-gender parents, some are raised by grandparents or other relatives or foster carers. All should be respected and celebrated. He also knows he’d rather play with dolls and his female friends, and kiss the boys. After some ridicule by his peers he finds a way to get by, and he forms a close friendship with Daisy, a fellow outcast. But while his coming out doesn’t surprise anyone, he realizes he still has some growing and learning to do, and he needs to figure out who he is. Your best friend is a mirror. Other friends ask after you when you are standing right there. “Where are you?” They ask, “Why are you without your other self?” You two are the ingredients to make something brand new. You cannot unbake a cake. You can only slice. A knife is a mirror. A best friend can be a knife.”

What I enjoyed most about writing the book was changing Michael’s voice and expanding his vocabulary as he grew older and more confident. Michael learns a lot about race, sexuality, nationality and belonging. I intended for Michael’s story to be a happy one, a fairytale of sorts, with the hope that if you, as a reader, have ever felt like you didn’t fit in or didn’t have people around who understood you, this story could serve as an example that, with time, we do find individuals and groups that love and accept us for who we are. But most importantly this begins with self-acceptance and self-love. This story follows Michael, a mixed race, gay boy growing up in the UK. The narrative follows him from the very beginning, up through his time at University; although the bulk of it does take place during his teen years. 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 MagazineI loved how this book challenged things as "ordinary" and showed us how Michael embraced his uniqueness. We are all unique, no person is the same, but because we want to fit in this world we tend to hide that and just be "ordinary". I loved how this book challenged this idea and showed us why is good to be your own unique person. I think due to this special insight and openness with emotion, it is very easy to become attached to them, as you know how precious they are and how hurtful the world can be.

Atta’s bold verse novel calls to its readers to find their own blazing, performative inner truth’– Guardian As a teacher, I often struggled to ‘teach’ poetry to children – especially the writing of it. What advice would you give to teachers who want to develop their teaching of poetry in the classroom?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. This is not about being ready, it’s not even about being fierce, or fearless, IT’S ABOUT BEING FREE. I love the front cover and illustrations by Anshika Khullar! What do you feel they bring to Michael’s story? Can you remember how you felt when you saw the front cover of your book for the first time? My experience with poetry, of any sort, is limited, and those experiences I have had, were not great. My mind just generally doesn't work that way.

Michael’s journey is complex, moving and told with a raw vitality that makes the soul soar and the heart sing, with Anshika Khullar’s magnificent illustrations and the smart design adding further depth, prompting the reader to pause for thought as his story requires. I can’t be your friend without calling this out. Your ignorance may be innocent but the racism is real." Michael is half-Jamaican and half-Greek, and growing up in London during the 2010s. His Greek mother raises him and his half-sister surrounded with love and expectations. (One of the most important things to pull from Michael's earlier life is the importance of his mother's presence in his life—I loved its realness and its love.)When he joins the Drag Society, Michael begins to gain the confidence he needs to finally be the person he wants to be. These sections, particularly the final scene with his performance, were incredibly moving. Applause for days! I decided to try the audiobook because it is read by the author, Dean Atta, who happens to be a well-known poet. I figured, who better to hear the words from, in the way he wants them to be heard. this was so touching and relatable even though I’m not going through the same problems I just ❤️ so much love What an incredible, emotional, powerful book. This is a novel-in-verse interspersed with poems Michael writes, but it doesn’t read any differently than a traditional novel.