Love the authenticity and sweet honey-dripped message in this book about the magic of food, dreams, and believing in yourself against all odds.

I don’t think I’ve read a book with an Afrolatina protagonist, about the struggles of an Afrolatina teenager growing up with little but I’m glad I picked up this book from Goodreads recommendations. Emoni is one of the most mature, driven, deserving teens I’ve ever read, and each milestone in her journey to follow her dream of being a professional cook and taking care of her family is well established. I didn’t even think the new kid needed to be a character; Emoni shines on her own without a male love interest in the picture and her growth stands on its own

I also high key appreciate the lens through which Acevedo captures teen motherhood from both parents. She could’ve easily dismissed Emoni’s baby’s father as a typical immature 18-year old boy who doesn’t want to be a dad, but the relationship that Emoni and Tyrone share with Emma is so pure and so refreshing. THIS is how you write about the complexities and trials of inner city youth.

Some reviews have said that there isn’t really a “struggle” in this story for Emoni, no real conflict (and it may at first seem like that) but I disagree. I felt her struggle throughout this book was, like with her grandmother, not knowing what the future holds, and resisting change, but at the end learning to accept and embrace the change around her, in order to grow as a person. She spends the beginning, trying to just “make it” in a world that’s pitted against her: an Afrolatina teen mother with no parents living paycheck to paycheck. But when she finds out there’s potential for more in her life than just work and her daughter—-she grabs her opportunity. And I think a lot of youngsters reading this would appreciate and feel with her.

Was such a syrupy sweet read , and hope to read more from the author in the near future.