The Rooms Are Filled is the 1983 coming-of-age story of two outcasts brought together by circumstance: nine-year-old Michael Nygaard, a Minnesota farm boy transplanted to suburban Chicago after his father dies, and his proper, young teacher, Julia Parnell, a closet lesbian trying to begin again after a failed attempt to live openly.

Michael doesn’t understand the new people around him: the wild girl across the street nurtures their friendship and then undermines it; her alcoholic father rockets between affability and rage; the bullies at school taunt him; and his 4^th grade teacher, Miss Parnell—he adores her but she’s living a false life.

When Julia’s secret is exposed, she faces a choice: accept herself or deny her true nature. Michael must also choose whether to simply endure or fight back. Coming of age will take bravery from these two lost souls. If they cannot find the strength to change, neither will have the life they deserve and desire. 

Jessica Vealitzek was born and raised near Chicago, where she still lives with her husband and two children. A Midwesterner through and through, she is uncomfortable making a big fuss and believes in the power of the quiet stories of everyday people. She can be found online at True STORIES.