Return to Sender

Recommended Ages: 10-12

Written by Julia Alverez.

After Tyler’s father is injured in a tractor accident, his family must hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler is uncertain about these workers, wondering about their status and whether they are undocumented. He becomes particularly intrigued by Mari, the oldest daughter, who is proud of her Mexican heritage while also becoming increasingly integrated into American life. 

As Mari's family lives in constant fear of being discovered by authorities and facing deportation back to the poverty they fled in Mexico, Tyler and Mari must navigate their differences and the challenges of friendship. In this poignant novel, Julia Alvarez crafts a hopeful yet complex narrative that addresses themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. With its rich storytelling, this timely tale will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.