kingserasera 's review for:

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

5.0

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5 huge sparkly stars! Rudine Sims Bishop’s quote that books act as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors has been one that’s stuck with me for years, and when I read YA I am reminded of how seriously authors who write for younger readers take that responsibility, and how grateful I am that they do. I was so excited to read Acevedo’s new book and I was not disappointed - With The Fire on High is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. This book let me peek in the window of a young, Black, Latina, single mother, voracious cook teen girl’s life, and I’m a better person for having had that glimpse. I was cheering for Emoni from day 1, and watching how she was lifted up by her teachers, Abuela, her daughter Emma, her friends, and herself into triumph at the end was one of the most heartwarming reading experiences I can remember!