Big Questions
A debut novel by Tziporah Cohen, No Vacancy is a thought provoking middle grade novel that will lead to incredible, rich discussions about religion, racism and home.
Miriam’s family has bought a motel, The Jewel Motor Inn. They have moved from the big city to Greenvale, small town, USA. It’s a stressful time for her parents as the motel is struggling financially but she tries to make the best of it. She’s extremely helpful around the hotel and even makes some new friends nearby, including Kate who helps her hatch a plan to save the Jewel. She’s not sure why she hasn’t told her friends she’s Jewish or why she doesn’t wear her hamsa. When the motel is vandalized with a racist message, she learns more about her family and her new community.
There are so many layers to this beautiful story. Many readers will understand Miriam’s reluctance to share her whole identity with those she is meeting. Saying she’s a vegetarian instead of eating bacon at the diner and not wearing her hamsa necklace. Readers get a sense that she’s guarded and scared about what others will think if she tells them she’s Jewish. Her mother doesn’t seem to like Christians very much, leading Miriam to be extra cautious but also confused, reconciling the kindness of the people she’s meeting with the messages she's receiving from her mother.
I love how much Tziporah discusses the different ways people observe their faith. Centered around Judaism, Uncle Mordy adheres strictly to the teachings, keeps kosher and observes the Sabbath religiously. Miriam’s family observes their faith in less strict terms. They still keep kosher and observe the Sabbath but don’t keep a strict kitchen and because they run a motel, have to work at times on the Sabbath. There is also some great food for thought about Christianity that will have readers reflecting on their own ideas of faith.
Since the family has moved to a new place that is totally different from their former home, readers get a sense of how you make a home in a new place. The community is so welcoming and kind. Miriam is learning Spanish thanks to Maria, the motel caretaker and she’s found a little job peeling grapes at the diner next door. She has a new friend in Kate who takes her on lots of adventures. Her living situation may be a little unconventional, but for many readers, they will see their unconventional living situation reflected back to them, providing comfort. Tziporah Cohen reminds readers that home is more than the building you live in, it’s the people and community that surround you that make a place a home, regardless of each person’s religion.
The compelling storyline of Miriam’s fear of swimming was gripping. During her lessons with Uncle Mordy they would talk about Big Questions while he eased her into the pool, never forcing, always gently guiding. The lessons set readers up for the big event at the end of the book and the coming together of the community.
