THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta.  New York: Balzer + Bray, 2020. 403p.  ISBN 978-006299029-7 hc. $18.99    Gr. 9-12   YA FIC

Told in verse with Michael’s own words, this story gives readers an idea of how hard it is for teens to fit into their own skin.  Now add the circumstances of being gay, having an absent father, and representing the ethnicities of a Jamaican father and Greek (Cyprus) mother.  His mother and younger sister love him, but don’t understand the journey he must take to find himself.  Readers tag along as Michael learns how to be open about his sexual orientation, allow others to do the same, and accept himself rather than being a person that someone else wants him to be.  Michael is on a roller coaster of emotion in this memorable first-person narrative. 
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI