Elizabeth Acevedo will always be a go-to author for me. I will automatically read anything she publishes.

I can't imagine how tough it was to follow up [b:The Poet X|33294200|The Poet X|Elizabeth Acevedo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1498766234l/33294200._SY75_.jpg|54024746] with a new character and to create a new voice with the same punch and "fire" as Xiomara. Ya'll, Elizabeth Acevedo DELIVERS.

Emoni is the type of strong at 18 that I hope to be and am still working on now at 28. She's raising her daughter, Emma. She's dealing with the social stigma of having a child just after her freshman year of high school. She's a natural in the kitchen and doesn't want to accept instruction or criticism. Her biggest flaw? She doesn't feel like she deserves anything for herself.

My students, even if they aren't black or Puerto Rican, will still be able to see something of themselves in Emoni. She stands up for what she believes in. She stands strong and refuses to feel shame about her daughter. She chooses to move forward and work hard, even when it would be easier to lash out. She's an amazing role model.

I can't wait to put this one in my classroom library.