The Black Flamingo

Product Information

I wanted to read it because of the subject matter, but I just wasn't sure if the format would work for me.

Dean Atta's debut poetry collection, I Am Nobody's Nigger, was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize. His poems deal with themes of race, gender, identity and growing up, and have appeared on BBC One's The One Show and several times on BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service and Channel 4. Dean was named as one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK by the Independent on Sunday. He regularly performs across the UK and internationally. 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?

You could get everyone excited about the book club by sharing the video below of author Dean Atta performing extracts from the book. Upon conclusion, I know that was the correct decision for me. I definitely recommend the audiobook for other readers who may be apprehensive about a novel written in verse. When it's time to go onstage, know that you're not ready but this is not about being ready … it's about being free. I don't have a clue what I'm doing but that's not going to stop me.” Antes de empezar con la review solo diré una cosa: qué necesario es y qué agradecido me siento de haberle dado una oportunidad. Este es uno de esos libros que cambian vidas, que tienen un impacto positivo y que ayudará a miles de personas por todo el mundo, especialmente a la juventud LGTB racializada.

Uplifting and dazzlingly unique, this coming-of-age treasure explores identity and sexuality with an emboldening message to remember that “you have the right to be you”. It made me feel protective of both Michael and Felix; it also opened my eyes to perspectives I will never be able to understand via personal experience. 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” 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.

Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments 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? 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.” Everyone should make a pledge to support others as they explore their identity and think about how they’ll do it (for example, they could pledge to listen without judging). Everyone should make a second pledge to support themselves as they explore their identity (for example, they could pledge to remind themselves that questioning who you are is normal and OK). People could write their pledge down, say it out loud, or just think about it quietly. The next person should unmute themselves, say something about the book or how it made them feel that begins with the better B, then pass the soup on and mute themselves again.

Oh, wow, my heart is so full. Dean Atta, this is exceptional; a work of art. Thank you for writing. 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. 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 … 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 The RRP is the suggested or Recommended Retail Price of a product, set by the publisher or manufacturer.

This is not about being ready, it’s not even about being fierce, or fearless, IT’S ABOUT BEING FREE.

When he gets to university, he’s ready for freedom, but he still feels out of place until he finds The Drag Society. It is there he learns exactly how amazing and fierce he is, how much the only person’s opinion that matters is his own, and that when you love yourself it makes it easier to love others and be loved by them. 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 ... 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.I’m not the best person to review the reflection of the drag aspect but I related to it a lot as a performer and I don’t know.... a person.