Dean Atta is an award-winning Black British writer from London, known for his heartfelt storytelling, which is rooted in his Greek Cypriot and Jamaican heritage, as well as his queer identity. He writes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for all ages.

For adult readers, his memoir, PERSON UNLIMITED: AN ODE TO MY BLACK QUEER BODY, received praise from Michael Rosen as “wonderfully original.”

His young adult verse novels are THE BLACK FLAMINGO, ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS, and I CAN’T EVEN THINK STRAIGHT. 

THE BLACK FLAMINGO won the Stonewall Book Award and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and Jhalak Prize. Malorie Blackman praised the book, saying, “I loved every word.”

Dean has also contributed to middle-grade anthologies HAPPY HERE: 10 STORIES FROM BLACK BRITISH AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS and the Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller BLACK BOY JOY: 17 STORIES CELEBRATING BLACK BOYHOOD.

For younger readers, AUNTIE’S BANGLES is a moving, lyrical picture book about love and loss, and CONFETTI is a colourful celebration of love and life. Both are illustrated by Alea Marley.

Additionally, Dean is a screenwriter and executive producer of the stop-motion animated short film TWO BLACK BOYS IN PARADISE, which has won top prizes at BAFTA- and Oscar-qualifying film festivals, and was nominated for Best British Short at the British Independent Film Awards 2025.

TWO BLACK BOYS IN PARADISE is adapted from Dean’s poem of the same name from his poetry collection THERE IS (STILL) LOVE HERE.

TWO BLACK BOYS IN PARADISE is available to stream on Channel 4 On Demand in the UK and Ireland.