Kate’s Practically Positive Review of: With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Title and Author: With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Genre: YA contemporary

One-Sentence Summary: High school senior and mother Emoni Santiago makes magic in the kitchen, but getting ahead is a challenge when you’re strapped for time and money.

My take: When I saw that Elizabeth Acevedo had a new book out about a teen mother and aspiring chef, I knew I *had* to read it. This book was as warm and pleasant as the food described in its pages, and I was left feeling cozy and loved and inspired to cook.

My star rating: 5 stars

Pros:

1. Authenticity. Emoni reminded me of so many students I taught. Her raw talent combined with the deep and real facets of her life she was juggling…I’ve seen this in student after student who worked themselves to the bone. Each character and their relationships with each other were authentic and came vividly to life in my mind. No shred of conflict felt contrived or driving toward an end goal; I was simply along for the ride, rooting for Emoni, not sure what exactly was around the next turn.
2. Loving rep. Emoni’s ability to balance her love for her daughter with her own growth was both inspiring and relatable. Having taught teenage parents, I was so pleased with this positive representation, clearly written with love ❤
3. THE FOOD. Seriously, I have never been so hungry while reading a book (with Jenny Han’s Lara Jean trilogy as a close second). I listened to this book while driving home from work each day, and it helped revitalized this tired mom’s love for cooking.
4. Just genuine! Ahhhh, I just…Acevedo cuts to the heart of human relationships in such a careful and loving way. Each character is imperfect and flawed, yet still so easy to love and believe in.
5. Audio. Acevedo is not only one of my favorite authors (of all time), but also one of my favorite narrators. Even if you don’t usually dive into audiobooks, it’s such a privilege to listen to Acevedo read her own words.