Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 388
Source: Purchased
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Goodreads Description
Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.
Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.
My Thoughts
PERFECTION! Okay that might not be a universal opinion, but Elizabeth Acevado has a way with words that has me living in every moment with Emoni.
The book follows 17 year-old Emoni as she going into her senior year of high school. While most kids her age are thinking about hanging out with friends and what college to go to, she struggles with pursing her dreams of becoming a chef and making sure her 2 year-old daughter wants for nothing.
This was a refreshing take on the topic of teen pregnancy. The majority of the books I’ve heard of deal with the teen finding out they’re pregnant and making a decision on what to do. With the Fire on High follows life after that decision has been made. The author did not shy away from all the stereotypes placed on teen moms from their surroundings (i.e. her peers, the baby’s father and his parents, and the public). I love how through everything Emoni had the love and support of her family, friends, and teachers.
It’s no secret that I loved this book and I will be singing its praises as much as I can from now on. I knew just from The Poet X but now I can confirm that Elizabeth Acevado is one of my favorite authors and I will be reading everything she puts into the world.
