The Paquettes run a dairy farm in Vermont but are in danger of losing the farm after their father's accident. The Cruz family is from Mexico and has immigrated to the United States in search of a better life. The story is told through the eyes of two 11-year-olds, Tyler Paquette and Mari Cruz. This important book helps students build a deeper understanding of immigration and migrant workers, and how friendship can break down stereotypes and build bridges to a better world.
Have students make a text to self connection to Return to Sender by choosing their favorite quote or scene and illustrating what it means to them.
Storyboard Text
FAVORITE QUOTE from RETURN TO SENDER by Julia Alvarez
Mari and Tyler's social studies teacher Mr. Bicknell speaks up during the town meeting when a motion is raised by Mr. Rossetti regarding immigration. Mr. Rosetti says, "We got laws in this nation and anyone hiring illegals ought to be put behind bars. Anyone who's not here legally needs to be rounded up." Mr. Bicknell reminds Mr. Rossetti that his ancestors were also immigrants, coming from Italy in search of a better life. Later in the book, Mr. Rossetti learns the true weight of his words when the Cruz family is forcibly taken from the farm and put in jail. With the three daughters crying and missing their parents, he acknowledges, "That's no way to treat decent folks!"
"This country [was] built by people who gave up everything in search of a better life, not just for themselves but for their children. Their blood, sweat, and tears formed this great nation . . . We're all born human beings. But we have to earn that e at the end of human with our actions so we can truly call ourselves humane beings."