The Black Flamingo

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He goes in depth into his thoughts and feelings surrounding his family, his heritage of being part-Greek Cypriot and part-Jamaican, his heartache over his absentee father, his discovery of his sexuality and many other topical issues. I loved the representation and the wonderful characters that the story surrounds. Michael's family and his family of choice were both fabulous. 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 first person should unmute themselves and say something about the book or how it made them feel that begins with the letter A. They could choose a character, event, place, object, or feeling. They should say the name of the person they’re passing the alphabet soup to, then mute themselves again.

They interrupt our joy. Our history. Our progress. They know they can’t stop us unless they kill us but they can’t kill us all, so you’re living your life and suddenly interrupted by white fear or suspicion. They fear sharing anything. Our success is a threat.”

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Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments El tono que le da Dean Atta es increíble. No va por lo triste o emocional, ni siquiera por lo sencillo. Es un viaje realista por la mente de Michael, y aprendemos junto a él en sus experiencias. El libro tiene desde poemas hasta mensajes de texto e ilustraciones, pero también juega en sí con la forma. Las páginas en negro son los momentos más importantes en la vida del protagonista, y destacan físicamente del resto del libro por eso mismo: porque destacan dentro de la narrativa del libro. Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing - This is not about being ready, it’s not even about being fierce, or fearless, IT’S ABOUT BEING FREE. I could tell that the sentence structure was different from a regular novel but I think I would have had more of an impact if I had read it (especially considering the regular book apparently had a pictures and other visual formats to enhance the story).

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. Michael is a mixed race gay teen who’s father left when he was young. We follow Michael from age six to nineteen as he navigates his identity and the stigma surrounding his skin colour and queerness. It isn’t until university that Michael discovers drag, though when he does its as if he can truly embrace who he is without scrutiny. This grittily provocative debut explores the horrors of self-harm and the healing power of artistic expression. 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 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. In verse, gorgeous, slice of life yet not, amazingly heartfelt and surprisingly lighthearted coming-of-age. 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.