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megan_harper's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
4.5
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
Moderate: Abandonment, Pregnancy, and Death of parent
Minor: Racism
lilybear3's review against another edition
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 aftershe 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.
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
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
Moderate: Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual content, Death, Cursing, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Gun violence, and Vomit
jeanettesreadingcorner's review against another edition
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
Graphic: Death, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, and Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Outing, Murder, Gun violence, and Lesbophobia
lizziea229's review
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
Moderate: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Abandonment
viireads's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
even the acknowledgements are making me cry wow iloveit
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Racism, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, and Bullying
Minor: Abortion
emilyhv's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual content, Abandonment, Bullying, and Grief
Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, Death of parent, and Gun violence
hobbithopeful's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Elizabeth Acevedo wows again, With the Fire on High is an emotional and raw novel following Emoni and her struggle of trying to balance school, raising her daughter, and trying to figure out what she wants out of life.
This is not a book to read on an empty stomach, every meal had my stomach grumbling at the deletable descriptions, and mouth-watering recipes.
A favorite element of all of Acevedo's books is how race is talked about and dealt with. I relate so much whenever this comes up, and the way it is handled feels like a window to my heart had her peering in and putting onto page what I feel.
I never really thought I would enjoy and relate to a book about pregnancy, and the struggle of being a teen mom, and how it affects your entire life and those around you. It is truly a testament to the excellent writing how relatable and real the characters felt. When 'Buela confessed about her doctors appointments, I think my heart broke a little.
Acevedo truly succeeds at putting so much of herself and her heart in every page, as much as love and family is a running theme, so too is hope, and not giving up no matter how hard life gets. I think one of the reasons I always reach for Acevedo's books is because they alway give me hope, and make me feel less alone. So many times I feel so alone, lost, and adrift in life, and then I read a heart-warming novel such as this one and it makes me feel like maybe I can make through another day. That maybe no matter how much I am struggling now, it will all be worth it in the end. To chase your dreams is to welcome fear and learn to be okay with doubt and taking a chance on stuff that might not succeed. I may not have a family like Emoni does, but I do have an unshakeable perseverance, and books like this that allow me to keep going.
A MUST READ.
This is not a book to read on an empty stomach, every meal had my stomach grumbling at the deletable descriptions, and mouth-watering recipes.
A favorite element of all of Acevedo's books is how race is talked about and dealt with. I relate so much whenever this comes up, and the way it is handled feels like a window to my heart had her peering in and putting onto page what I feel.
I never really thought I would enjoy and relate to a book about pregnancy, and the struggle of being a teen mom, and how it affects your entire life and those around you. It is truly a testament to the excellent writing how relatable and real the characters felt. When 'Buela confessed about her doctors appointments, I think my heart broke a little.
Acevedo truly succeeds at putting so much of herself and her heart in every page, as much as love and family is a running theme, so too is hope, and not giving up no matter how hard life gets. I think one of the reasons I always reach for Acevedo's books is because they alway give me hope, and make me feel less alone. So many times I feel so alone, lost, and adrift in life, and then I read a heart-warming novel such as this one and it makes me feel like maybe I can make through another day. That maybe no matter how much I am struggling now, it will all be worth it in the end. To chase your dreams is to welcome fear and learn to be okay with doubt and taking a chance on stuff that might not succeed. I may not have a family like Emoni does, but I do have an unshakeable perseverance, and books like this that allow me to keep going.
A MUST READ.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Bullying, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Racism
katelynprice's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved Emoni, BabyGirl, 'Buela, the reliable educators, and this lovely coming-of-age story. This is a lovely example of an engrossing character-driven story. I loved getting a glimpse at Emoni's struggles as a teen mom, especially co-parenting. There were also some really good historical and cultural insights about the Caribbean islands. Of course, I can't leave out the descriptions of food and Spain that made me want to cook while simultaneously booking a flight. I will read anything Elizabeth Acevedo writes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, Gun violence, and Medical content
katiemack's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.75
I'm so glad I chose to listen to the audiobook to hear the author read her own words with so much love and passion. (My only regret is that I don't have easy access to the recipes Emoni describes--they sound delicious.)
This could have easily been a book mired in pain and bogged down by angst, but there's a strong current of hope throughout. Emoni is a strong young woman and mother and has responsibilities that are clearly outlined, but she's also clearly a teenager who enjoys teen things and all the joy that comes with that without ignoring the other aspects of her life. I found myself admiring her strength and liking her as a person, which is a tough balance to strike.
If you're looking for a YA audiobook to listen to that features diverse voices, pick this one up.
This could have easily been a book mired in pain and bogged down by angst, but there's a strong current of hope throughout. Emoni is a strong young woman and mother and has responsibilities that are clearly outlined, but she's also clearly a teenager who enjoys teen things and all the joy that comes with that without ignoring the other aspects of her life. I found myself admiring her strength and liking her as a person, which is a tough balance to strike.
If you're looking for a YA audiobook to listen to that features diverse voices, pick this one up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Grief