With the Fire on High
on Goodreads (87,782)
What’s inside...
With her daughter to care for and her abuela to help support, high school senior Emoni Santiago has to make the tough decisions, and do what must be done. The one place she can let her responsibilities go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Still, she knows she doesn’t have enough time for her school’s new culinary arts class, doesn’t have the money for the class’s trip to Spain—and shouldn’t still be dreaming of someday working in a real kitchen. But even with all the rules she has for her life—and all the rules everyone expects her to play by—once Emoni starts cooking, her only real choice is to let her talent break free.
Age
12-13
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Emoni Santiago
Angelica
Tyrone
Malachi Johnson
'Buela
Chef Ayden
Emma (Baby Girl)
Discussion points
How do you think Emoni's responsibilities at home shaped her ambitions and choices throughout the story?
What role does cooking play in Emoni's life, and how does it help her connect with her cultural heritage?
Emoni faces several challenges and setbacks. How does she overcome these, and what can we learn from her resilience?
In what ways do the support systems around Emoni, including her family and friends, influence her journey?
How does Emoni's relationship with her daughter impact her decisions and aspirations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think critically about the characters and plot. This promotes deeper engagement and comprehension.
Discuss the cultural aspects in the book, such as the recipes and their origins. This can be a fun and educational way to explore different cultures together.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Emoni's challenges and victories, enhancing empathy and understanding of the character.
Highlight Emoni’s growth throughout the book, discussing with your child the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving one's dreams.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Pursuing Passions
Explanation: The protagonist, Emoni Santiago, demonstrates the importance of following one's passion for cooking despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to identify and develop their unique talents and interests, fostering a sense of fulfillment and motivation.
Example Lesson: Balancing Responsibilities
Explanation: Emoni navigates the responsibilities of being a young mother, a student, and pursuing her culinary dreams, illustrating the skill of balancing various life roles.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the vital skill of time management and prioritizing different aspects of life from an early age.
Example Lesson: Cultural Identity and Heritage
Explanation: Through her cooking, Emoni explores and embraces her Puerto Rican heritage, highlighting the significance of connecting with one’s cultural roots.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to learn about and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds, enhancing their personal identity.
Example Lesson: The Value of Hard Work
Explanation: Emoni's success in the culinary world stems from her dedication and hard work, emphasizing that perseverance is key to achieving one's goals.
Real-World Application: Instills a strong work ethic in children, showing that diligence and effort are rewarded.
Example Lesson: Empowerment Through Choice
Explanation: Faced with critical decisions about her future and her family, Emoni’s journey is one of personal empowerment through making tough choices.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to understand that their decisions have power and teaches them to make choices thoughtfully.