Elizabeth Acevedo’s second novel follows 17-year-old Emoni Santiago, who has a passion for cooking. Emoni has always dreamed of attending a culinary academy after graduation, but got pregnant her freshman year of high school and decided that she would have to put her life on hold to raise her daughter. When Emoni’s school announces a new culinary arts class that will wrap up with a weeklong trip to Spain, Emoni is the first to sign up. However, she faces struggle after struggle while trying to be the best mother, chef, and student that she can be.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed Emoni’s story very much and loved her as a character. All of the characters in this book were wonderfully well-written, the amount of diversity was refreshing, and the story seemed realistic enough that I now want to go join a cooking class and take a trip to Spain. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a good time.

Sydney

sydney is a teenage writer who is passionate about women’s rights & the lgbtq+ community. her goals include traveling the world and obtaining a doctorate degree in forensic science. she does indeed have a face but her profile picture refuses to show up.