With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo - Young Adult - Paperback

Title:
With the Fire on High

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780062662842

Overview:
Ever since she became a mother freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has revolved around doing what’s necessary for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can truly let her guard down is the kitchen, where she pours her heart into every dish and adds a little something magical to each recipe, turning ordinary meals into moments of joy and connection. Elizabeth Acevedo’s With the Fire on High introduces a protagonist whose warmth, resilience, and ambition shine through a lyrical, intimate voice. Emoni dreams of a future as a chef after graduation, even as she negotiates the complex demands of school, work, and family. When talent meets opportunity, she discovers that the path to her dreams may be challenging, but her gift for cooking—paired with courage and community—can break through barriers. This YA novel blends family, culture, and craft into a heartfelt journey about identity, perseverance, and the courage to chase a dream that feels both bright and near. The result is a delicious, affirming read that celebrates the power of talent, love, and second chances.

What You’ll Discover Inside:
In this vibrant coming-of-age story, readers follow Emoni as she learns to balance the responsibilities of motherhood with the pull of a larger dream. Cooking becomes her language for expressing who she is and who she can become, turning everyday moments into opportunities for growth, connection, and hope. Acevedo crafts a world where family bonds, mentorship, and community support shape a young woman’s choices and resilience. The narrative explores how cultural heritage informs taste, memory, and identity, while tackling real-life pressures—financial strain, academic expectations, and the lure of a life beyond the stove. Expect a heartfelt blend of warmth, humor, and honest reflection as Emoni discovers that following her passion can lead to personal triumphs, even when the road is not easy. This is a story that celebrates courage, loyalty, and the ways food can nourish both body and spirit.

Who It’s For:
This modern YA classic is perfect for teens who love character-driven stories about family, ambition, and self-discovery. It will resonate with readers who enjoy food-centered narratives, coming-of-age journeys, and books that explore culture with warmth and honesty. Perfect for high school readers, book clubs, and gift recipients who appreciate stories about resilience, empowerment, and pursuing a dream against the odds. Parents and teachers will value its relatable voice and themes of responsibility, independence, and the importance of community. Whether you're seeking a read-along for a classroom, a heartfelt gift for a young adult in your life, or a personal escape into a flavorful, hopeful world, this paperback edition offers a compelling, accessible entry into Acevedo’s acclaimed storytelling.

Key Highlights:

• YA contemporary with a culinary heart and a strong, relatable heroine
• Vividly drawn family dynamics and cultural warmth
• Accessible, lyrical prose ideal for readers transitioning to longer novels
• From an award-winning author with a proven track record in young adult fiction
• Standalone novel—complete story in one cohesive arc
• Ideal for classroom discussions, book clubs, and thoughtful gift-giving
• Perfect paperback edition for portable, on-the-go reading

About the Author:
ELIZABETH ACEVEDO is the author of Clap When You Land, With the Fire on High and The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award, amongst many others. She is a National Poetry Slam champion and holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
With the Fire on High offers a warm, uplifting reading experience that blends the sensory delight of cooking with the emotional pull of family and ambition. Acevedo’s lyricism invites you into Emoni’s life—the late-night kitchen, the busy school days, and the stubborn optimism that keeps a dream alive. The novel’s heart lies in its fearless portrait of a young woman learning to own her voice, her talent, and her future. It’s a gift-worthy, binge-friendly read that stays with you long after the last page, making it a standout choice for fans of powerful, character-driven stories and culinary-inspired fiction.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.