Return to Sender

Return to Sender is a poignant and timely chapter book for middle-grade readers, exploring themes of friendship, immigration, and cultural identity. After Tyler's father is injured, his family hires migrant Mexican workers, including Mari's family, to save their Vermont farm. Tyler, an 11-year-old, grapples with his understanding of "undocumented" workers while forming a deep bond with Mari, who proudly holds onto her Mexican heritage amidst the constant fear of deportation. The book offers a nuanced look at the challenges faced by both families, fostering empathy and opening conversations about complex social issues without offering simplistic answers. It's an excellent choice for families seeking to understand different perspectives and discuss themes of justice and belonging.

After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn't sure what to make of these workers. Are they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also increasingly connected her American life. Her family lives in constant fear of being discovered by the authorities and sent back to the poverty they left behind in Mexico. Can Tyler and Mari find a way to be friends despite their differences?In a novel full of hope, but no easy answers, Julia Alvarez weaves a beautiful and timely story that will stay with readers long after they finish it.From the Hardcover edition.