Extended Learning Book Review Lily Cubanski

Quarter 2 1B

In the book With the Fire on High, written by Elizabeth Acevedo, is a story about
seventeen-year-old Emoni, who’s life has gotten much harder ever since she got pregnant during
her freshman year of high school. For as long as she can remember, Emoni has been cooking.
With only her grandmother to raise her, Emoni has been learning to cook by her grandmother’s
side. Unfortunately, even though Emoni has a passion for cooking, she knows she can’t pursue a
real career in the kitchen because she can’t afford to study it at college. Then, Emoni signs up for
a culinary arts class at her school, and she discovers her true love for cooking.
Elizabeth Acevedo wrote this book exploring the theme of not letting the situation get
you down. Throughout the story, Emoni continues to believe that she can’t follow her passions
because she can’t afford to pay attention on something other than her daughter and the cost of the
class. On page 40, the author says, “I don’t want Ms. Fuentes to know that ‘Buela and I are
worried about the fee.” Emoni is avoiding what she really wants to do just because she keeps
worrying. On page 343, the author says, “But even as I think it I know I would never want to
leave my daughter, or my ‘Buela, or the city I love.” Emoni knew that she wanted to pursue a
career in cooking, but she did always have a though in the back of her mind, telling her she
couldn’t really do that. Emoni, throughout the story, has teetering thoughts about what she wants
to do with her life, even though everyone in her life is telling her to do what she feels is right for
her to do.
In conclusion, I would give this book a rating of five out of five stars. This book gives
young readers an idea on how hard it is for those high school parents across the globe and the
hardships they must face. This book teaches readers that people are more than they appear. On
page 23, the author says, “And then, all of a sudden, I was a walking PSA: a bloated teen
warning, taking up too much space and calling too much attention.” Emoni talks about how
people treated her when she was pregnant, and the stares and awkward conversations she had to
face. This book brings attention to the teen moms in the world who have to deal with a lot of
judgement. I recommend this book to everyone, because it brings attention to issues that happen
in the world, and from a point of view that many people don’t have experience with. I believe
this is a great read for many young adults struggling to find their next book.