A fun book that blends Jewish identity with family and friendship and shenanigans that happen when kids come up with a plan.

This was an enjoyable kids book. I know it was nominated for review on several occasions, but I see this more as a book adults want kids to read than one they will seek out on their own. It does have an enjoyable story and it is nice to see some Jewish perspectives in middle grade.

An enjoyable, quick read, "No Vacancy" tackles some difficult topics including religion, making new friends, understanding differences, and more. This book is perfect for middle school students who will connect easily to the characters' thoughts and concerns.

No Vacancy

by Tziporah Cohen

Life is not always easy as Miriam, an eleven year old, discovers. As her family faces financial distress, she is uprooted and transplanted to a motel in upstate New York. She leaves behind her close friends and spends her summer days helping her family revive the failing motel. Success for the motel would also mean better times for the Whitleys, a generous and kindly couple next door whose granddaughter Kate becomes Miriam’s best friend. When Miriam’s Uncle Mordy suggests it might take a miracle to keep the businesses afloat, Kate and Miriam decide to provide one!

As she is dealing with challenges at the motel, Miriam is trying to understand what it means to be Jewish and why she is different from others in her new community. She also wrestles with a fear of swimming.

Tziporah Cohen’s No Vacancy is a gentle, but thoughtful look at religion, ethics, and community. This work of fiction is aimed at middle schoolers, but I enjoyed reading it. I like Miriam and find that her interactions with other characters as she struggles with being open about being a Jew and about her aquaphobia gives the book more depth. Uncle Mordy shares differences that exist among Jews in practicing their faith. The Catholic priest acts as a counselor without being intrusive or preachy. The interactions between Miriam and Kate demonstrate that differences in faith don’t preclude a happy and healthy friendship.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Groundwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.


Rating: 4/5

Category: Children’s Fiction, Middle Grades

Notes: As an adult, I enjoyed this book, so just use this information as the publisher’s intended audience:
Grades: 4-7
Ages: 9-12

Publication: August 4, 2020—Groundwood Books

Memorable Lines:

Miriam starts to ask herself some prickly questions. Is a lie always a bad thing, even if what comes out of it is good? Does our faith make us so different from one another? And when bad things happen, do we really all have a shared responsibility for the hate in the world?

“It’s not that we can’t get along. We just believe in different things. And while I can be friends with someone who believes in different things than I do, it’s a lot harder to be married to, and raise a family with, someone who is different in these big ways. Not everyone feels that way, and that’s okay. but I do.”

“When someone is different from us,” he says, “sometimes we jump to conclusions instead of taking the time to understand.”

This book was a fantastic middle grade. The setting was immaculate, anything that involves a hotel I will read. I thought the characters were age appropriate, which is a problem sometimes with middle grades, but I thought this book did it so well.

No Vacancy follows Miriam, whose family has moved from Manhattan to a small town to manage a run-down hotel. The themes of acceptance and inclusion are strong in the book as it examines the relationship between Jewish people and Catholics. As a Catholic with a Jewish best friend, I felt this was really relatable. I think this book is for younger middle graders, but as I said, I related to this book as well.

I loved Cohen's novel! The characters are so relatable, and I felt as overwhelmed as they did when things spiraled out of their control. Loved the representation of Judaism, which is not in enough children's novels.

I am not sure why I like stories set in old motels but I do. This one is complete with a neighboring diner where the specialty is grape pies. An interesting assortment of characters come together and create a community that develops understanding between people of different religious backgrounds.

No Vacancy is a story about a family that relocates from Manhatten to a very small town to run a motel. It is filled with a whole cast of interesting characters, who all have something to add to the story. I love that this book focuses on inclusion (religious, disability, cultural, etc.) in a way that young middle schoolers can relate to. As a reader, I fell in love with these characters and wanted to see them succeed. Great debut novel...I can't wait to see what else we will see from this author.
#NoVacancy #NetGalley

3.5 stars.

Eleven year old Miriam and her family have just moved from New York City to upstate New York to manage the rundown Jewel Motor Inn. After losing his job, her father could no longer afford the expenses of city living and bought the hotel with the intent to run it and save up some money for the family. Unfortunately, things are rougher going than anticipated and stresses run high. Miriam who is Jewish befriends Catholic Kate whose grandmother runs the restaurant next door to the motel, and together they concoct a plan to drum up business and turn things around financially for both their families. But will it work? And what happens when an anti-semitic incidence occurs at the motel?

I really wanted to love this book a bit more than I did. I am absolutely here for books with Jewish characters, especially since they’re so lacking in Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction. I personally can remember trying to find stories in the library about kids who were Jewish like me and remember how rare and special that was. I also really love that this book deals with religion in a broader and more ecumenical, complex way. I would’ve been especially drawn to this book as a kid because I grew up in Catholic neighborhood and was always curious to know a bit more about Catholics.

That’s also maybe one of my slight issues with the book though. I fully admit this could partially be my own bias but it felt as if the book was written for non-Jewish kids and Jewish aspects were explained in more depth than Catholic ones. I sort of understand that, even as a Jew, since I always knew much more about Christianity just by virtue of living in this country where Christianity is so much a part of the culture, even secularly, and often had to put more effort into explaining Jewish things than my friends who weren’t Jewish ever had to do in explaining their various Christian observances. Still, I guess I wish more books were written for Jewish kids. Though I’m sure many would be happy just to see themselves in this book. And I really did like the way that the book explained the variations in Jewish observances though this felt a little off balance or verging into “over explanation” because basic Catholic observance was never explained with near as much nuance. But again, I may be biased and I realize most take their Christianity kind of for granted and there maybe isn’t as much need to explain this whereas Jews are often assumed to be a monolith. And I suppose if you want your books to have the widest possible readership, perhaps this is the way to go. I couldn’t help but wonder though, given that the author and main character are Jewish, if there may have been a slightly different approach to take here that would’ve felt more natural to Jewish readers without alienating or confusing young readers who aren’t Jewish.

I really liked Miriam as a character. She’s given so much nuance and the concerns she has and desire to help her family feels very true to life and real. I loved the way the book made her so brave and smart in some ways yet she also had such a fear of water and swimming. I also adored how open minded she was- learning Spanish from Maria, the motel housekeeper, struggling to understand religious divisions and questioning why her mother is so uncomfortable with Christianity.

The antisemetic incidence was also well done and incredibly timely and I like that it wasn’t overdone yet the trauma is clearly explored as well as how much Miriam struggles to understand why someone would do such a thing. Miriam’s response felt very true and familiar to me and reminded me of my own early introductions to antisemeticism.

I don’t want to understate that there’s so much to like about this book and it has such a unique and important story to tell.

Unfortunately, I found the ending a bit overdramatic but more than that, I think it was all wrapped up too soon. There’s a sudden time hop between the second to last and final chapter that confused me as an adult reader- I had to go back and reread things and can only assume it will confuse other readers as well, especially since there are no other significant time jumps in the rest of the book and this was so abrupt and at such a dramatic point in the book. I also think we needed more than that final chapter to wrap the book up. Basically we reach the climax of the story or perhaps a secondary climax that ends up overshadowing what I suspect the author intended to be the climax which occurs more towards the middle. The event sort of threw the book for an unnecessary loop and was just overwritten as it and then some of what’s squished into the last chapter try to wrap too many different things up too neatly. I would’ve rated the book so differently until those last two chapters when things really took a turn. It seemed like the author wasn’t sure how best to fully wrap up the intended message and climax of the story so she wrote in this dramatic scene that in addition to being simply too much, blurred the whole point of the story for me.

And there’s a minor quibble or two towards two Jewish related things that made me pause and I think relate very much to the over-explaining that happens with Judaism in the book. Or felt especially jarring because of that. One relates to electric Shabbat candles and that they get lit by a priest though Miriam and her mother then come over and say the blessing over them. That seemed... weird. I’m not sure why they wouldn’t have lit them as I certainly would have. And shortly before that it’s mentioned that a pie is cooked in the motel oven by the Catholic restaurant owner so Miriam’s uncle can eat it. But... I doubt someone who keeps kosher would eat a pie prepared and cooked by someone who isn’t Jewish and there’s more to that than just the oven. And these may be nit picky things to point out (though I know what kind of child I was and am certain I would’ve been even more inflexible about these, especially the pie thing, as a 10 or 11 year old reading the book!) and I really think the bigger issue there is the over-explaining of Jewish practices. Neither of these things needed to be mentioned at all but in attempting to explain so much, inevitably it made me, as a Jewish reader, read it more critically. And are two prime spots where the explaining so much only takes away from the story.

I think there’s a great story here but one that needs more work. I think certain Jewish aspects could’ve been explained more naturally or not at all for the sake of the story but most importantly is that ending and how there on one hand needs to be more there but maybe also less trying to wrap every little thing up. It was so rushed while simultaneously trying to solve everything. It really threw me and hampered my overall enjoyment of the story. Until the last two chapters o really adored this little book. And I so want publishers to publish more Jewish stories for kids and teens!

Also, massive props to the author for this quote and the very wise priest who says this. This is the real message of the story too and exactly why I still want to champion this novel-
“At its worst, religion can make us hate each other, make us suspicious of people who believe differently from what we believe. But at its best, I believe religion can bring out the good in all of us. Be proud of who you are, Miriam, and don’t let any ignoramuses with a paintbrush make you feel otherwise.”

This is the kind of book I would have loved and read again and again as a kid. I loved the main character’s authentic curiosity, frustration, and worries. As an adult, the ending is a bit too tidy, but it would be a great addition to 3rd to 5th grade class libraries and book clubs. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

*3.75
Miriam and her family are now the proud owners of the Jewel Motor Inn. They're headed into the biggest transition period of Miriam's life and she's a bit worried it won't turn out how her parents envisioned. After realizing that the former owners may not have been truthful about how the motel was doing, Miriam and her newfound friend Kate hatch a plan to help save the motel and the diner next door, and possibly more.

This was a short and sweet novel about acceptance and how to overcome your fears, especially during transition periods. I thought the characters were all really well fleshed out, and the plot of the book moved quickly enough. Cohen effortlessly included many different kinds of people and issues in the book without feeling like she was just trying to 'pack it all in' if you will. In the end, I would have enjoyed this more if we had a bit more growth from Miriam's mom in terms of how she specifically treated people that were different than her (however I did understand her a lot more by the end of the book) and if some of the writing flowed a little less 'list-like'. For example, "I did this and then later in the day I did this... etc.." I am definitely interested to see what Cohen writes next because of her background and how she incorporated the subject matter in this book!

I loved this little book. Miriam and her family move into a motel to try and start over. Miriam is very reluctant at first, but she finds new friends at the motel and in her new town. Miriam and her family are Jewish, which is different from most of the Catholics in town. But, she realizes that regardless of differences, people can come together when it matters.

I definitely recommend this middle grade book. It was a quick read with relatable and fun characters, and I liked the emphasis on Miriam's Jewish faith and traditions.

No Vacancy
by Tziporah Cohen

House of Anansi Press Inc.
Groundwood Books
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020


I am reviewing a copy of No Vacancy through Groundwood Books and Netgalley:





Eleven year old Miriam Brockman never dreamed her family would buy and run the run down Jewel Motor Inn in upstate New York, but at least it’s an adventure. Miriam becomes friends with Kate, whose grandmother owns owns the diner next door, and finds comfort in the company of Maria, the motel’s housekeeper, and her Uncle Mordy, who comes to help out for the summer. Miriam spends her free time helping Kate’s Grandmother make her famous grape pies, and she works on overcoming her fears by taking swimming lessons in the hotel pool.






After it becomes clear that it is going to take a miracle to save the Jewel from bankruptcy, Miriam who is Jewish, and Kate who is Catholic decide to create their own miracle. If they don’t succeed, the No Vacancy sign will come down for good, and Miriam will lose the life she’s worked so hard to build.




I give No Vacancy five out of five stars!




Happy Reading!

No Vacancy opens as Miriam and her family (parents + little brother) arrive in a small town from New York City. They have bought a run-down motel and work together to get it ready for customers. Along the way, Miriam meets Kate (whose grandparents own the diner next door) and they form a fast friendship.

As the mom of two tween girls, I enjoyed this book thoroughly! Miriam's emotions felt real to me: missing her friends and 'normal' life back in NYC, annoyance and adoration for her younger brother, and fear for the future. I appreciated that the adults had layered backstories and were real people that Miriam could count on. I will definitely be adding No Vacancy to our family collection!

An enjoyable, quick read, "No Vacancy" tackles some difficult topics including religion, making new friends, understanding differences, and more. This book is perfect for middle school students who will connect easily to the characters' thoughts and concerns.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

No Vacancy offers insight into racial prejudice and tensions. A coming of age story for a young girl whose life gets turned upside down when her family moves to rural New York to run a motel that they recently acquired. Learning to be brave and understanding who you are in the world are themes that run throughout the book.

A fun read that I really enjoyed. I loved exploring Miriam's world and didn't want to leave.
I like this new to me author's writing style and I thought she has done a fabulous job with certain subjects.
I certainly can relate to Miriam by moving to a small town. I moved from Ohio to Kentucky in 1982 but unlike Miriam I had trouble establishing friendships. I'm not good with making friends but eventually as I got older I did learn.
I love the theme of family, friends and learning to get along with others and there's nothing like a small town feel.
A great story that I highly recommend!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own!

No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen was a fun, enjoyable read about Miriam, an eleven-year-old girl whose family moved into a run down Inn as a last ditch effort to stay afloat financially. Unhappy about the move, Miriam, tries to make the best of it. She enjoys spending time with her uncle Mordy, and makes quick friends with a girl her age, Kate, and her grandmother who own the next door diner. She also befriends Maria, the maid. Unfortunately, the motel is not very busy and Miriam realizes that her family is near financial ruin. Kate, who is Catholic, and Miriam, who is Jewish, notice that a stain on an old abandoned drive in movie theater screen looks like a face and with a little bit of interference, they begin a rumor of a Virgin Mary sighting. I, enjoyed this book more than I expected to. Especially learning the little bits and nuances about the Jewish culture and traditions sprinkled throughout. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

No Vacancy does an excellent job presenting a positive story with characters that young readers will root for. Themes of family, friendship, and collaboration are explored well. The pacing might challenge the attention of some younger readers, but overall it is a satisfying story.