Emoni talks about why she decided to lose her virginity and another character questions if she's ready to have sex. Couples make out and undress each other. A teacher utters unintended sexual innuendos when he has students "taste her chocolate pudding" and asks if Emoni would prefer joining a group and becoming part of a "threesome."
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Emoni is constantly worried about money, especially because Buela is on disability. Pop culture mentions include Moana, Netflix, Chopped, Top Chef, Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsey, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, and more.
Positive Messages
a lot
Respect, perseverance, courage, and teamwork are important themes. Only you can write the story of your life. Don't be afraid to take risks. Have faith that you will succeed.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Emoni isn’t a quitter and learns how to be part of a team. She’s selfless and will do whatever it takes to give her daughter the best opportunities in the world. Abuela is supportive and gives Emoni the freedom to make decisions concerning her daughter. She has sacrificed so much to raise three generations of her family and has taught Emoni about the sacrifices and responsibility that come with being a parent. Angelica is a fiercely loyal and protective friend. Malachi is a kind and polite gentleman who respects the Emoni’s boundaries. Ms. Fuentes and Chef Ayden recognize Emoni’s talent and potential. They help her understand the importance of respect and see that taking risks is part of life.
Educational Value
some
Readers learn about food safety and how to work in a kitchen. They'll also learn about Spanish, Puerto Rican, and African American culture and history. Teens might be inspired to try the recipes that are included at the beginning of each part of Emoni's journey.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo (The Poet X), is an inspiring novel about Emoni Santiago, a half-Puerto Rican, half-African American high school senior and teen mom, who dreams of becoming a chef after she graduates high school. Readers will understand the importance of respect, courage, perseverance, and teamwork. They'll also learn about food safety and how to work in a kitchen, as well as about Spanish, Puerto Rican, and African American culture and history. Emoni talks about why she decided to lose her virginity, and another character questions if she's ready to have sex. There are a few scenes where couples make out and undress each other. A teacher utters unintended sexual innuendos when he has students "taste her chocolate pudding" and asks if Emoni would prefer joining a group and becoming part of a "threesome." Strong langauge is infrequent, with just a few uses of "s--t," "dick," "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "ho." There are mentions of wine, absinthe, beer, and sangria. Teens drink while on a class trip.
I'm surprised by Common Sense's sex rating for this book
There's a lot of sexual content in this book. Heavy petting, discussions about virginity, discussion of a lesbian's couple first time sleeping together, etc. along with the account of when the main character loses her virginity. To me, only one star for sex doesn't accurately convey the amount of content.
Here's a sample:
From page 44.... " When he finally shoved into me, it stung. For a second I wasn't sure if I wanted to push him away or pull him closer, and then he was panting and sweating on my chest and apologizing. And I kept telling him it was okay, thinking he was apologizing for hurting me until I realized he was apologizing because it was over. I never even took off my bra. It didn't even last the entire Weeknd song playing in the background. A bubble of disappointment swelled in my chest and I didn't know if I was holding back laughter, tears, or a feeling I didn't know then how to name. All I could keep thinking was that he definitely didn't have any sweet words or niceness in the moment that I needed it most. I cleaned my own self up, put on my pants, and left. He didn't even say goodbye. "
What's the Story?
High school hasn't been easy for Emoni Santiago after she got pregnant her freshman year. She's had to work twice as hard as the other students to stay on track while doing everything she can to support her daughter and her abuela. The only place Emoni can take a break from making tough decisions is in the kitchen when she's cooking WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH to create food so good that people call it magic. When her school offers a culinary arts class, which includes a week-long trip to Spain, Emoni's excited to finally get some hands-on experience working in a kitchen. She knows she has the talent, but does she have the time or the money for the class? With graduation approaching, Emoni must decide if her dreams of becoming a chef are worth pursuing.
Teens will love the diverse characters, heartwarming relationships, and deliciously rich descriptions of Emoni's dishes in Elizabeth Acevedo's inspiring coming-of-age tale. The gorgeous cover art showcases Emoni's strength, and the quick chapters filled with vibrant details make her story unputdownable. It's clear that Emoni struggles to put herself first, but with supportive family, friends, and mentors by her side, she realizes that she can still be the best mom to her daughter while simultaneously pursuing her passion. Cooking isn't just a way for Emoni to provide for her family. It helps her connect with her past, set the course for her future, and learn the importance of respect, courage, perseverance, and teamwork.
As With the Fire on High progresses and readers experience the sour, savory, and bittersweet moments of Emoni's journey, they'll be inspired to follow their dreams and have faith that they'll succeed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the various kinds of diversity in With the Fire on High. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
Does the romance portrayed seem realistic and relatable? Do young adult romance novels help readers sort out their feelings and learn how to communicate, or do they create false expectations about teen relationships?
How do the characters demonstrate respect, courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Available on:
Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
Last updated:
August 4, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
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suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Amanda Nojadera
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
