Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
*An Instant New York TimesBestseller*Magic, mystery, and a marvelous mailbox take two kids on an incredible journey in this middle grade adventure novel from bestselling comics creator Vera Brosgol. Perfect for fans of Greenwild and The Lost Library and kids ready to move from graphic novels to novels.*This deluxe, beautiful book features dynamic yellow page edges and fun illustrations throughout by the author!*Be careful what you wish for…After everything they’ve been through, Oliver and his mom finally have a place to call home. But Oliver’s fresh start feels more like a dead-end at his fancy new private school, where kids fly in on helicopters, wear the latest and most expensive sneakers, and go on luxury vacations. Oliver is only there because his mom’s the school custodian.Oliver wishes his life could be easier. And then one day, after slipping a wish into a mysterious mail slot, it suddenly comes true. Pizza for dinner? Yes! The rarest sneakers in the world? Yes! Everything he could ever want, without spending a cent? Yes, yes, yes!Oliver’s dreams are finally within his grasp… but what happens when he discovers that his wishes don’t come for free?“Vera Brosgol has combined the silliness and social satire of Roald Dahl with the imagination-bending multiverse of Everything Everywhere All at Once to create an utterly unique novel.” -Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor Author of The Inquisitor's Tale"I wish that you would just open this book and start reading it." -Lemony Snicket, bestselling author of A Series of Unfortunate EventsCheck out these other beloved books by Vera Brosgol:Anya's GhostBe PreparedPlain Jain and the MermaidLeave Me Alone!Memory JarsThe Little Guys
Is Return to Sender: A Novel appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
A contemporary fantasy about a working-class boy who discovers a magical mailbox that grants wishes at his wealthy private school. Explores class differences and the consequences of getting everything you want, with light peril and positive messages about gratitude and family.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include class struggle.
Who'll love this
Kids will love the magical wish-granting mailbox and all the cool stuff Oliver gets, plus the mystery of what happens when wishes aren't free.