Reviews with content warning for Pregnancy - With the Fire on High

This book has wonderfully developed characters who are complicated and imperfect but relatable. It doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. In fact, it embraces many of them. I love the relationship between Imani and Abuela, the love and connection between them was very evident.

Content Warnings

ellie_debney's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

k_fry's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I love how tenderly Acevedo wrote teen perspectives, giving them so much dignity, maturity, and growth that felt realistic. It’s not often that I come across a YA where there isn’t at least one unbelievably written character but every one of them in this story had wonderful depth. Of course, mistakes are made but they’re teens so it’s expected - the beauty of the story is how they react or learn believably.

Content Warnings

lilybear3's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Elizabeth Acevedo never misses. I took way too long to read this book. She has a git in storytelling and writing beautifully. Nothing in this story felt forced and she took the time to develop each character. Even if they weren't in the story that much, I felt like I knew them well and they fit in perfectly. I love Emoni and how she is always proud to be a mother and stands up for herself and her daughter. There's so much love in this story. Plus there's a few recipes!

My only critique is that I think the story could've been a tad shorter. Like I would've been happy with the story ending after

she gets back from Spain and she has a new boyfriend, 'Buela has a boyfriend, and she gets accepted into college.

I personally don't mind an open ending with speculation. However, I think for most readers of YA, it's nice to have all the loose ends tied up and to end the story at the end of the school year.

Though I appreciated tying up the ends with Tyrone and Julio.

I'll always recommend her audiobooks as well. I didn't listen to this book, but Elizabeth does the audio and I'm sure it's amazing! I fell in love with her audios of The Poet X (her own book) and Pride by Ibi Zoboi.

Content Warnings

asagetheskater's review

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This book is so incredible!! I love the plot and I love the character! This author is one of my favorites, and I was so excited when this book came out! It was a perfect circle of all the things I needed. Cooking, teen mom, finding yourself. I love it!!

Content Warnings

veskumelooni's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Content Warnings

jeanettesreadingcorner's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Emoni is such a loving and caring mom. Even while juggling high school, friendships, cooking, teen drama, and everything else life throws at her. Her growth is incredible to be a part of.
Malachi! The sweetest love interest. Malachi is so thoughtful and cute. He respects Emoni’s boundaries and situations with her daughter. The romance between them is honest and genuine. Malachi and Emoni on the trip to Spain is 🔥🥰💋💕
Emoni’s passion for cooking is amazing. The descriptions of the food and how she cooks is magical. I want to try all of the dishes and recipes in the book. Cooking is not a common hobby in books and it’s cool to see it highlighted in this story. The descriptions of the food and how she cooks is magical. I love how proud Emoni’s of her culture and background!
Elizabeth Acevedo’s writing is so poetic and lyrical. She gives Emoni such a powerful and compelling voice.
My life and Emoni’s are so different. However, I still feel like I can relate and connect to her character. I love books like that.
The setting of the Philadelphia city life was new and fun for me to read. Especially the slang words and pride the characters have for Philly.

Content Warnings

lizziea229's review

Go to review page

funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Content Warnings

More...