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norimee's review against another edition
4.5
Elizabeth Acevedo narrating her own audiobooks is such a treat! She is such a great narrator and adds a new level to her characters.
I just loved the book from beginning to end.
I just loved the book from beginning to end.
bookishbaird1's review against another edition
4.0
Emoni is such an easy character to love and I’m still rooting for her!!!
alesiaa's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 ⭐️
check out my full spoiler free review on instagram @alesiaareads
check out my full spoiler free review on instagram @alesiaareads
thelilbookwitch's review against another edition
4.0
Full review and other read-alikes on my blog.
A striking non-traditional teen protagonist is the heroine of her own hard won story as we follow Emoni’s senior year of high school while she balances being a teen mom raised by her abuela, a part time job after school, and an elective that challenges her passion for cooking while struggling with the usual high school senior problems on top of it all about defining her dreams, much less chasing them.
Emoni isn’t exactly tough, but she has a clear head and sense of self. It’s the way life has happened to her that’s made her have to develop such an ability to separate herself from other people’s opinions. Only it usually means separating herself from other people more often than not, as people are quick to judge a 17 year old almost-woman for having a child at age 14. She doesn’t set out to be anybody or anything she isn’t, and through her struggles, Emoni becomes a character it is impossible not to hope and root for to succeed.
The chapters are more like extended scenes at times, with most of them tapping out at about 3 pages in length. I don’t know it I’d specifically put in the “hi-lo” category, but for someone looking to build reading confidence, this is a good option if you’re running out of brain space to remember other titles. It also makes me want to read more of Acevedo’s work to see what she’s capable of with other characters.
There is a romance of sorts here, and I’m glad to see this continued trend of sticking to teens checking in with each other, and speaking candidly about what they want or are ready for experiencing. I also liked how ordinary it felt. Acevedo does a wonderful job of displaying the world for what it is –ordinary and within our grasp to make it extraordinary; if we only let people in. Emoni’s development, since she does read a little mature, is absolutely part of what makes this a good crossover appeal book.
This is a kitchen fiction, slice-of-life where some folks might feel more comfortable looking through Emoni’s eyes than others as she is written with AAVE lilts. I wouldn’t have her any other way, and look forward to putting this book in more teen hands looking for contemporary that has drama without emotionally ruining you. I wasn’t exactly screaming about it as I read, but there was a quiet contentment and pride that settled into me as I kept up with Emoni’s journey. I hope you’ll go on it with her too.
A striking non-traditional teen protagonist is the heroine of her own hard won story as we follow Emoni’s senior year of high school while she balances being a teen mom raised by her abuela, a part time job after school, and an elective that challenges her passion for cooking while struggling with the usual high school senior problems on top of it all about defining her dreams, much less chasing them.
Emoni isn’t exactly tough, but she has a clear head and sense of self. It’s the way life has happened to her that’s made her have to develop such an ability to separate herself from other people’s opinions. Only it usually means separating herself from other people more often than not, as people are quick to judge a 17 year old almost-woman for having a child at age 14. She doesn’t set out to be anybody or anything she isn’t, and through her struggles, Emoni becomes a character it is impossible not to hope and root for to succeed.
The chapters are more like extended scenes at times, with most of them tapping out at about 3 pages in length. I don’t know it I’d specifically put in the “hi-lo” category, but for someone looking to build reading confidence, this is a good option if you’re running out of brain space to remember other titles. It also makes me want to read more of Acevedo’s work to see what she’s capable of with other characters.
There is a romance of sorts here, and I’m glad to see this continued trend of sticking to teens checking in with each other, and speaking candidly about what they want or are ready for experiencing. I also liked how ordinary it felt. Acevedo does a wonderful job of displaying the world for what it is –ordinary and within our grasp to make it extraordinary; if we only let people in. Emoni’s development, since she does read a little mature, is absolutely part of what makes this a good crossover appeal book.
This is a kitchen fiction, slice-of-life where some folks might feel more comfortable looking through Emoni’s eyes than others as she is written with AAVE lilts. I wouldn’t have her any other way, and look forward to putting this book in more teen hands looking for contemporary that has drama without emotionally ruining you. I wasn’t exactly screaming about it as I read, but there was a quiet contentment and pride that settled into me as I kept up with Emoni’s journey. I hope you’ll go on it with her too.
arayofreading's review against another edition
4.0
**4 stars**
This was lovely! Despite not being written in verse like The Poet X, this writing was still lyrical and poetic (especially regarding all the passages about culture and cooking), while still maintaining the realism of the novel. I really enjoyed reading about Emoni and her experiences as a teen mom; the challenges she faced balancing school, work, and being a mother (and the judgement that comes along with that), and her relationship with her culture and identity. She was incredibly strong and mature, and was such an admirable character. I also loved that this book talked about how a successful and happy life is ultimately defined by your standards, not society's, and even if your dreams and goals are unconventional it doesn't make them less valid. That was a really powerful message and I'm so glad it was included :)
This is a very nice coming of age book, and despite the everyday challenges Emoni faces, at the end of the day it's a really feel good kind of story.
Ps. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook!
This was lovely! Despite not being written in verse like The Poet X, this writing was still lyrical and poetic (especially regarding all the passages about culture and cooking), while still maintaining the realism of the novel. I really enjoyed reading about Emoni and her experiences as a teen mom; the challenges she faced balancing school, work, and being a mother (and the judgement that comes along with that), and her relationship with her culture and identity. She was incredibly strong and mature, and was such an admirable character. I also loved that this book talked about how a successful and happy life is ultimately defined by your standards, not society's, and even if your dreams and goals are unconventional it doesn't make them less valid. That was a really powerful message and I'm so glad it was included :)
This is a very nice coming of age book, and despite the everyday challenges Emoni faces, at the end of the day it's a really feel good kind of story.
Ps. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook!
literary_lyette's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation
kelly_inthe419's review against another edition
4.0
“I’ve had a lot of things to feel ashamed about and I’ve learned most of them are other people’s problems, not mine.”
With the Fire on High was my first novel by Elizabeth Acevedo. It did not disappoint!
Emoni is a heroine anyone would love. She’s a teen mom with all of its challenges, but she is surrounded by her loving abuela and best friend Angelica as well as her teacher Ms Fuentes. She is determined to give her daughter a living and stable home life.
Emoni has always loved cooking - it’s like a sixth sense for her. So when a culinary arts elective is added to her school’s curriculum her senior year, Emoni knows it’s her chance to shine.
I couldn’t help rooting for Emoni. She is loving, tough, talented, and passionate. And like most teens, she is struggling to find her own path forwarded. I was happy when she found her voice and the ability to stand up to Tyrone (babygirl’s father) for herself while still recognizing his ability to be a good dad.
I enjoyed the writing, and the food descriptions had my mouth watering on more than one occasion. The story tackled issues such as race and identity - Emoni is Black and Puerto Rican - while leaving room for joy and happiness too. It is a big, warmhearted story that is sure to make you smile.
With the Fire on High was my first novel by Elizabeth Acevedo. It did not disappoint!
Emoni is a heroine anyone would love. She’s a teen mom with all of its challenges, but she is surrounded by her loving abuela and best friend Angelica as well as her teacher Ms Fuentes. She is determined to give her daughter a living and stable home life.
Emoni has always loved cooking - it’s like a sixth sense for her. So when a culinary arts elective is added to her school’s curriculum her senior year, Emoni knows it’s her chance to shine.
I couldn’t help rooting for Emoni. She is loving, tough, talented, and passionate. And like most teens, she is struggling to find her own path forwarded. I was happy when she found her voice and the ability to stand up to Tyrone (babygirl’s father) for herself while still recognizing his ability to be a good dad.
I enjoyed the writing, and the food descriptions had my mouth watering on more than one occasion. The story tackled issues such as race and identity - Emoni is Black and Puerto Rican - while leaving room for joy and happiness too. It is a big, warmhearted story that is sure to make you smile.
mrsalltopafi's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? N/A
4.25
beegcly's review against another edition
4.0
A really beautiful book, I was very emotional reading this one
dennasus's review against another edition
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? N/A
This was a bit different young adult novel than I usually read them, as the main character has a 2 yo daughter. I sort of enjoyed following her through her senior year at school and find out what she wants to do with her life after graduation. Neither the plot nor the characters had me really hooked though. It was fine. (29 August 2024)
[I've stopped rating books in May 2024]
[I've stopped rating books in May 2024]