With the Fire on High

With her daughter to care for and her abuela to help support her, high school senior Emoni Santiago has to make the tough decisions and do what must be done. The one place she can let her responsibilities go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.

Still, she knows she doesn’t have enough time for her school’s new culinary arts class, doesn’t have the money for the class’s trip to Spain—and shouldn’t still be dreaming of someday working in a real kitchen. But even with all the rules she has for her life—and all the rules everyone expects her to play by—once Emoni starts cooking, her only real choice is to let her talent break free.

Finally, I've read this book! It's been on my TBR list for so long and I was so excited to read this. Surprisingly, I liked this book! It has short chapters and it was fun to read. The main character here is Emoni which is she wants to learn how to cook so she signed up for this culinary school art class. It's such a nice book and totally recommend this one! I like the cover of the book which is the cover is a woman who I think it's Emoni. It's like the cover is about women's fiction genre or chick lit type.

It's a captivating novel that delves into themes of identity, family, and pursuing one's passions. The story follows the journey of Emoni Santiago, a talented young chef and teen mother, as she navigates the challenges of high school while following her culinary dreams.

Acevedo's writing beautifully captures Emoni's struggles and triumphs, making the characters feel real and relatable. The way she weaves together Emoni's love for cooking with her personal growth is both heartwarming and inspiring. The book also does a fantastic job of exploring cultural heritage and the importance of embracing one's roots.

Overall, "With the Fire on High" is a touching and empowering read that celebrates resilience, friendship, and the power of pursuing your passions. This book is a perfect fit for readers who crave inspiring and emotional stories about strong, young women who find solace and empowerment through cooking, family, and self-discovery, and who will be uplifted by the hopeful and uplifting portrayal of a teen mother's journey toward pursuing her passions and breaking free from societal expectations.

3.75

Wow what a way to start the year.
This book hit so many points that reside in me and my experience. I was in tears during many of the emotions the main character experienced. Pretty much because I too can relate to her hardships. As a teen mom, though I was older than she was in this book, I remember being torn over being a responsible teen/young adult and wanting to experience life for your own age.
The character's background of being half Puerto Rican and growing up in a hispanic household also rang true to me.
An absentee father, and the emotions that come with it.
Just so many things about this book that Elizabeth Acevedo so eloquently detailed that felt true to me and made me experience this so vividly.
I highly recommend to friends its so enjoyable, a true YA with life lessons.

This book gave me a LOT of feelings. Very inspirational and encouraging story. A good book for high school students.

Beautiful. Powerful. Delicious.