RETURN TO SENDER

Julia Alvarez’s story of illegal immigration comes alive for young listeners and adults alike through the agreeable voices of two capable narrators. Ozzie Rodriguez matches the tone of the author’s beautiful language as he portrays the young, questioning Tyler, the son of an injured dairy farmer who hires undocumented workers to keep his family on the farm. Olivia Preciado narrates in perfect preteen cadence the letters and journal entries of Mari, Tyler’s new friend who is the Mexican-born daughter of one of the hired workers. Listening to this engrossing story together will offer conversation starters for parent and child to discuss one of the hottest political issues in our nation today. R.Z.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011]