With the Fire on High By Elizabeth Acevedo- Book Review

Welcome to Barking Book Reviews! Prepare your taste buds for the delectable journey of “With the Fire on High” by Elizabeth Acevedo. Join us as we savor the flavors of this captivating story, where passion and culinary artistry intertwine. Get ready to be immersed in the vibrant world of Emoni Santiago and experience a tale of love, dreams, and the power of embracing your true self. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure together in our book review.

The book follows the life of Emoni Santiago, a high school senior who is also a mother to her young daughter, Emma. Emoni is a gifted cook who dreams of becoming a chef, but her responsibilities as a mother and a student make it difficult for her to pursue her passion.

Plot

Emoni Santiago is a 17-year-old single mother who is trying to balance her responsibilities at home with her dreams of becoming a chef. She works as a part-time cook at a local restaurant, and she is also taking culinary classes at her high school. Emoni is a talented chef, and she loves to cook for her family and friends. But she also knows that she needs to focus on her education and her future if she wants to achieve her dreams.

One day, Emoni gets an opportunity that could change her life. She is offered an internship at a prestigious restaurant in New York City. The internship would be a dream come true for Emoni, but it would also mean leaving her family and friends behind. Emoni must decide whether to take the internship and risk everything, or to stay home and play it safe.

Theme

With the Fire on High is a story about the power of love, family, and food. It is a coming-of-age story about a young woman who learns to balance her responsibilities as a mother with her dreams of becoming a chef. The novel explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the importance of community.

Characters

Emoni Santiago is the protagonist of the novel. She is a talented young chef with a bright future ahead of her. But at 17, she is also a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Emoni is a strong and resilient young woman who is determined to succeed, no matter what obstacles she faces.

Buela is Emoni’s grandmother. She is a kind and loving woman who is always there for Emoni. Buela is a source of strength and support for Emoni, and she helps her to navigate the challenges of being a young mother.

Ms. Valencia is Emoni’s culinary arts teacher. She is a talented chef and a passionate mentor. Ms. Valencia believes in Emoni’s potential, and she encourages her to pursue her dreams.

Genre

With the Fire on High is a young adult novel. It is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the importance of community. The novel is written in prose, but it has a lyrical quality that is reminiscent of poetry.

Takeaway

With the Fire on High is a powerful and moving story about a young woman who overcomes adversity to achieve her dreams. The novel is a celebration of the power of love, family, and food. It is a reminder that we can all achieve great things, no matter what our circumstances.

Likes

I liked the way that Acevedo wrote about the challenges of being a young mother. She didn’t sugarcoat anything, but she also didn’t shy away from showing the joys of motherhood. I also liked the way that Acevedo explored the theme of identity. Emoni is a young woman who is trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. The novel follows her journey as she discovers her true self.

Dislikes

I didn’t have any major dislikes about the novel. However, I did think that the ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see Emoni’s story continue for a little bit longer.

Summary

With the Fire on High is a powerful and moving story about a young woman who overcomes adversity to achieve her dreams. The novel is a celebration of the power of love, family, and food. It is a reminder that we can all achieve great things, no matter what our circumstances.

Here are some additional thoughts on the novel:

• Readers will love the way that Acevedo wrote about food. She made us to cook every single recipe that Emoni made.
• I was really impressed by Emoni’s strength and resilience. She faced a lot of challenges in her life, but she never gave up on her dreams.
• I thought the novel did a great job of exploring the theme of identity. Emoni is a young woman who is trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. The novel follows her journey as she discovers her true self.
• I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and inspiring story about a young woman who overcomes adversity to achieve her dreams.

Author Details

Elizabeth Acevedo is a renowned author, poet, and educator known for her powerful storytelling and lyrical prose. With her Dominican-American heritage, Acevedo infuses her work with rich cultural nuances and explores themes of identity, family, and self-discovery. Her writing resonates deeply with readers, capturing the raw emotions and experiences of marginalized voices. From her critically acclaimed novel “The Poet X” to “With the Fire on High,” Acevedo’s literary contributions have garnered numerous awards and accolades. Through her impactful words, she continues to inspire and empower readers, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Elizabeth Acevedo is a true literary force, captivating hearts with her talent and authenticity.

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