The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

This time last year I hadn’t read any free verse books and now I find myself completely hooked on them. Last night I started The Black Flamingo by @deanatta and I finished it a couple of hours later. Becky @head_in_the_pages picked the The Black Flamingo as one of her Desert Island Books and told me I’d love it. Becky you were so right, it’s wonderful and I loved it

Synopsis:

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 his is almost ready to show himself to the world in bold colours...

Can he emerge as The Black Flamingo?

Honestly this is every bit as brilliant as everyone says it is. Once I’d picked it up I couldn’t put it down. It’s a beautiful and moving coming of age story about self belief, identify and love. I adored Michael he is such a great character, I felt like I was with him watching over him as he made his steps towards becoming The Black Flamingo.

In one of the final scenes were he goes on stage as The Black Flamingo, I had tears in my eyes and I just felt so proud of him I wanted to be in the audience and cheering for him. When I finished the book, I closed it and thought he’s going to do great. I totally believed in Michael and I loved that.

The Black Flamingo is aimed at 12 to 15 year olds but I think everyone could enjoy, appreciate and learn from this one. Thank you so much Becky for recommending this one to me, it is a very special book.

Have you read this one yet and do you have any recommendations of other brilliant free verse books?

Have a great day 💕