An exquisite addition to the YA novel in verse tradition, breezy, yet rich and nuanced. The Black Flamingo is a fresh take on such topics as gender, sexuality, being Black in England, being biracial, drag, homophobia, racism, and more. Each of the characters are lovingly drawn and full of complexity and contradiction. Michael’s voice and journey especially is compelling, authentic, and refreshing, making for a read that is the perfect balance of sweetness and conviction, lightness and depth. Easily one of my favorite YA novels this year. It’s the type of story you can’t put down, with a narrator you won’t want to leave.