"It's Sunday. We open tomorrow.
Dad is yelling bad words at the computer
at the Reception desk. Mom is shouting at
Sammy, who doesn't want to put on his
clothes. When I told her I was going over
to the diner, she shouted at me too, handed
me a broom and told me to sweep the
upstairs balcony and the walkway in front
of the first-floor rooms."
This is a terrific middle grade novel that introduces readers to Miriam and her family, and the wonderful people of their new community. They have recently purchased, and now moved to Greenvale, New York to be the owners of the Jewel Motor Inn. The family has an enormous amount of work to do to get ready for their first guests. Miriam would rather be back in Manhattan where she was happy. Despite much hard work and a lot of help from Maria, the motel's maid and Uncle Mordy, the new business venture seems doomed for failure.
This is the story of community, friendship and diversity. Miriam's family is Jewish, her new friend Kate is Catholic. Kate's family runs the diner that is next door to the motel. It is famous for her grandmother's grape pie. It draws customers off the highway for a quick stop. The motel does not have the same draw. When it looks as if all is lost, the two friends come up with a plan to attract more tourists. It works. The motel is filled with guests, the diner is very busy, and everyone is delighted. Will Miriam's worry about the lie they are telling cause her to spill the beans? Why is her mother reluctant to invite people to share their Jewish traditions?
A hate crime has Miriam and Kate questioning the whys of the action. Wise advice come from Father Donovan:
"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."
Filled with thoughtful, masterful writing, No Vacancy offers readers a wonderful cast of characters, a chance to consider what is right or wrong, to look at differences with tender care and concern, and to look at racism as it exists in society. There is a lot of tension here; there is also quiet understanding and a great deal of kindness.
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