Finally got around to reading this. Listened to the audiobook because I love Elizabeth Acevedo's voice. It's like home. The writing was great as expected. I loved how full each character was. There's no bad guy in this but people with wants, needs, bad habits and dislikeable characteristics like normal people. It was interesting reading about this taking place in Philly. I was rooting for Emoni getting to go on the trip the entire book. I knew she would struggle in the class. Too many reality tv cooking shows has taught me like every other industry, restaurant chefs have their rules and routines which are the antithesis of what Emoni does as a home cook. And the homeroom teacher brought me back. Those who have plans for your betterment; your prosperous future can be very frustrating. I just enjoyed this overall. The friendship, the cute romance, the descriptions of Philly and Spain. I felt like I was there.