Investigate the Front Cover

Looking at the cover of the book, what do you see? Imagine you are a detective: using only clues from the cover, deduce what kind of place you think this story will occur in? What does that place look, feel, sound and smell like? Who will this story be about?

“No Vacancy”?

The title of this book is No Vacancy. What do you imagine when you hear these words? What does this phrase mean? Where do you most often see these words?

Learn About Alfred Dreyfuss

If it will be helpful for students to have additional context about Alfred Dreyfus and the Dreyfus Affair, consider exploring and reading through this informative landing page via the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Bystander vs. Upstander

Ask students: What is a bystander? What is an upstander? Hear from students and teachers on what they have to say by showing this video (until 0:58). Think, Pair, Share: Ask students to take two to three minutes and write in their journal using the following prompt:...

Understanding and Defining Antisemitism

Understanding The Working Definition Of Antisemitism Explain to students that in this story they will be reading about a historical account of antisemitism, and that antisemitism still occurs today. Gauge what your students know about antisemitism through a KWL Chart:...