“And sometimes focusing on what you can control is the only way to lessen the pang in your chest when you think about the things you can’t.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, With the Fire on High

If you love books that weave together themes of food, family, and personal growth, With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo is a must-read. This book will inspire you, move you, and make you think deeply about following your passions while balancing the many responsibilities life throws at you.

It follows the journey of Emoni Santiago, a high school senior and aspiring chef who faces various obstacles in her life, including being a teen mother, struggling with the loss of her father, and navigating the complexities of her family dynamics. Despite the challenges, Emoni dreams of becoming a chef and is determined to follow her passion.

In this blog, I’ll look into the plot, characters, themes, and much more about this beautifully written book.

Plot Summary

With the Fire on High centers around Emoni Santiago, a smart and talented teenager living in Philadelphia. Emoni’s life is far from easy. She’s a single mother to her daughter, Emma, and works hard to support them both.

As a student at a high school with a program that offers culinary arts, Emoni is given the chance to turn her love for cooking into something more.

Despite her culinary talent, she faces significant challenges. Her grandmother, who helps raise Emma, is constantly worried about Emoni’s future, especially when it comes to balancing motherhood with her dreams.

Emoni’s mom passed away when she was young, and she often feels overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a mother herself and trying to pursue her culinary dreams.

Her journey becomes more complicated when she is accepted into a prestigious culinary program, which requires her to confront her past, her fears, and the personal sacrifices she’s made.

Throughout the book, Emoni learns about the importance of family, self-discovery, and making choices that honor both her responsibilities and her aspirations.

As the story unfolds, we see Emoni navigating the struggles of balancing motherhood, school, and her dream to become a chef. In the end, she learns that while the road to achieving her dreams may be difficult, it is her heart, her skills, and her ability to overcome obstacles that will get her to where she wants to be.

Themes and Plotline

Pursuing Passion in the Face of Adversity: The central theme of the book is the importance of pursuing your passions even when life is challenging. Emoni’s love for cooking is a constant throughout the novel, and despite all of the difficulties she faces, she never gives up on her dream of becoming a chef.

Family and Support Systems: Family plays a huge role in the story, both in terms of support and conflict. Emoni’s relationship with her grandmother and her struggles as a young mother show the complexities of family bonds. The book beautifully portrays how family can be both a source of strength and a source of tension.

Self-Discovery and Growth: Throughout the story, Emoni grows as both a person and a chef. She learns to balance her dreams with her reality, and as she gains more confidence in her abilities, she also gains a deeper understanding of herself.

Cultural Identity and Heritage: The book explores Emoni’s Puerto Rican heritage and how it shapes her cooking and identity. The food she prepares reflects her culture, and cooking becomes a way for her to connect with her roots and her family.

Genre and Themes in With the Fire on High

 “The world is a turntable that never stops spinning; as humans we merely choose the tracks we want to sit out and the ones that inspire us to dance.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, With the Fire on High

With the Fire on High is a young adult novel that beautifully blends coming-of-age elements with themes of family, culture, and personal growth. It also falls under the category of contemporary fiction, focusing on realistic struggles and the resilience required to overcome them.

Coming-of-Age Story: This novel is a coming-of-age story at its heart. Emoni’s growth and self-discovery throughout the book are central to the narrative. She transitions from a teenager unsure about her future into a young woman ready to face the challenges ahead, especially in terms of her future career and role as a mother.

Food as a Metaphor for Life: The book uses food and cooking as a metaphor for Emoni’s life. The act of cooking is often symbolic of her relationships, her emotions, and the way she chooses to navigate her challenges. Her passion for food is not just about the art of cooking but about creating something meaningful and beautiful out of the ingredients life has given her.

Readers’ Thoughts

Rating

With the Fire on High has a solid rating of 4.4 stars on Goodreads, with over 60,000 ratings. Readers have been drawn to the heartwarming and inspirational story, especially the way it portrays the complexities of being a young mother with dreams and ambitions.

Reviews:

• “A powerful and inspiring novel. Emoni’s journey touched my heart. A must-read!”

• “Elizabeth Acevedo has an incredible way of blending humor, heartache, and hope. This book is beautifully written.”

• “A stunning portrayal of family, food, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. I couldn’t put this book down.”

• “Emoni is a character you can’t help but root for. Her story is both uplifting and real.”

Unlike many coming-of-age novels, With the Fire on High provides a unique perspective by incorporating the challenges of teen motherhood and the pressures of pursuing a dream in the face of adversity. The book’s focus on food and culture adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, making it a standout in the genre.

Who Will Enjoy With the Fire on High?

Age and Content Warning:

This book is best suited for readers aged 14 and older, as it deals with mature themes like motherhood, responsibility, and personal sacrifice. There’s some language, discussions of tough family dynamics, and a focus on relationships that might be more appropriate for a mature teen audience.

People who liked these books:

• The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

• Pride by Ibi Zoboi

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

If you enjoyed any of these books, With the Fire on High will likely resonate with you. It’s a beautiful story of growth, resilience, and finding one’s place in the world.

Books Similar to With the Fire on High

If you liked With the Fire on High, you’ll love:

• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

• The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

• How to Make a Wish by Ashley Herring Blake

• On the Roof Top by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

These books share similar themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, and family dynamics. They are perfect for readers who enjoy deep and heartfelt coming-of-age stories.

Conclusion

With the Fire on High is a beautifully written novel about pursuing your dreams, the importance of family, and the courage to grow and change. Through the character of Emoni, Elizabeth Acevedo shows that no matter what life throws your way, it’s possible to follow your passions while still honoring your responsibilities.

This book is full of heart, resilience, and delicious food metaphors that will leave you thinking long after the last page.

Emoni’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, growth, and the belief that you can have it all – but it requires hard work, understanding, and a lot of heart. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking for an inspiring, emotional story that is also filled with humor, love, and the complexities of life.

More from Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Acevedo is an acclaimed author known for her powerful stories, which often deal with themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Her lyrical and emotional writing uniquely brings characters to life.

Other Books by Elizabeth Acevedo

• The Poet X

• Clap When You Land

• Becoming: A Memoir