Emoni Santiago is a high school senior in Philadelphia balancing the demands of raising her young daughter with the academic pressures of her final year. She possesses a natural talent in the kitchen, where she cooks by intuition and memory rather than following written instructions. When her school offers a new culinary arts elective that includes a trip to Spain, Emoni must navigate financial constraints, the responsibilities of young motherhood, and her grandmother’s expectations. The narrative follows her as she learns to apply technical discipline to her raw talent while deciding if she can transform her passion for food into a professional career.
Readers interested in the intersections of teenage parenthood and artistic ambition find a realistic portrayal of responsibility here. It appeals to those who enjoy stories about culinary craft and the complexities of Afro-Latinx identity. A reader finishes the book with a clear perspective on how personal heritage informs creative work. The story provides a detailed look at the practical sacrifices required to pursue a dream while managing adult obligations before graduating high school.
- Published
- 2019
- Language
- EN
