Return to Sender (by Julia Alvarez)
common sense media says
Intense story about illegal immigration and friendship.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this story explores illegal immigration in a sympathetic way, and that readers come to know the hearts and minds of both the Vermont family and the Mexican family. Parents also need to know that the issues and moral dilemmas facing the two main characters (Tyler and Mari) are heavy -- they both worry constantly and are wrought with fear and anxiety. As a result, the story is serious and heavy. Parents also need to know that Mari's mother went missing and was sold into slavery, though eventually rescued by Mari. Also, immigration laws are not fully described and enforcers are presented negatively.
Positive role models:
A central worry for both main characters is breaking the law and
getting caught. The grandmother tells a "white lie" and Tyler fibs to
his mom. These "white lies" are presented as purposeful. Also, hiring
the illegal immigrants is explained by parents as "not wrong in God's
eyes" and "sometimes a country has laws that have nothing to do with
what's right or what's best for most of the people involved."
getting caught. The grandmother tells a "white lie" and Tyler fibs to
his mom. These "white lies" are presented as purposeful. Also, hiring
the illegal immigrants is explained by parents as "not wrong in God's
eyes" and "sometimes a country has laws that have nothing to do with
what's right or what's best for most of the people involved."
Violence:
A character dies suddenly of a heart attack and another is involved in a tractor accident in which he gets pinned under it and injured. Both events happen before the start of the story.
Sex:
One sexual reference: "he finally got laid."
Language:
Mild: "Ohmigod," "hell," "damn."
Consumerism:
Oprah is mentioned, as is McDonald's and Coca-Cola. The youngest sister watches Dora on TV, and the family shops at Walmart.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
A mention of fraternity boys with a 12-pack. Also, on Mother's Day, the family buys beer and a bottle of champagne, which makes the grandmother's cheeks turn pink.
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