With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo follows Emoni Santiago, a teenage mother and aspiring chef, as she navigates her senior year of high school in Philadelphia, balancing her responsibilities at home and her passion for cooking, which leads her to exciting opportunities and self-discovery through a culinary arts class. The book includes themes of teenage pregnancy and single parenthood.

Elizabeth Acevedo's With the Fire on High has been widely praised for its vivid prose and well-drawn, relatable protagonist, Emoni Santiago. Critics appreciate the nuanced portrayal of balancing teenage motherhood with personal dreams. While the engaging plot and emotional depth are lauded, some find predictable elements. Overall, it’s a heartfelt and inspiring read.

Readers who enjoy With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo are likely fans of young adult fiction that combines themes of personal growth, cultural identity, and culinary artistry. Fans of The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier will appreciate the vibrant narrative and strong, relatable protagonist.

Heartwarming / Inspirational / Emotional / Hopeful / Contemplative

- With the Fire on High was published in 2019 and is Elizabeth Acevedo's second novel, following her award-winning debut The Poet X.
- The book's protagonist, Emoni Santiago, features on a cover that is notable for its vibrant and illustrative artistic style, which was created by artist Erin Fitzsimmons.
- Elizabeth Acevedo, before becoming a full-time writer, was a National Poetry Slam Champion, which influenced her dynamic storytelling and use of language in her novels.

**Emoni Santiago**  
A talented high school student and young mother with a passion for cooking, Emoni struggles to balance her dreams of becoming a chef with the responsibilities of caring for her daughter.

**Gloria ('Buela)**  
Emoni’s grandmother who has been a supportive and loving guardian, navigating financial and personal challenges to raise both Emoni and her daughter.

**Julio**  
Emoni’s father, who has a limited presence in her life but shows a caring side during his occasional visits, fostering a connection with his granddaughter.

**Tyrone**  
The father of Emoni's child, who shares custody of their daughter, and begins to play a more responsible role in her upbringing as the story progresses.

Elizabeth Acevedo

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Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore With the Fire on High and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

With the Fire on High Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Sour”

Part 1, Chapters 1-22

With the Fire on High Part 1, Chapters 1-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 23-41 

With the Fire on High Part 1, Chapters 23-41  Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Savory”

Part 2, Chapters 42-68

With the Fire on High Part 2, Chapters 42-68 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 69-91

With the Fire on High Part 2, Chapters 69-91 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 92-107

With the Fire on High Part 2, Chapters 92-107 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Bittersweet”

Part 3, Chapters 108-113

With the Fire on High Part 3, Chapters 108-113 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

With the Fire on High Character Analysis

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Themes

With the Fire on High Themes

Symbols & Motifs

With the Fire on High Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

With the Fire on High Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

With the Fire on High Essay Topics

With the Fire on High Teaching Unit

Introduction

With the Fire on High Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

With the Fire on High Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

With the Fire on High Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

With the Fire on High Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

With the Fire on High Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

With the Fire on High Activities

Essay Questions

With the Fire on High Essay Questions

Exam Questions

With the Fire on High Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

With the Fire on High Exam Answer Key

With the Fire on High

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read With the Fire on High?

Reading Age

Book Details