SOLVED. Children's Novel - mysterious mail order catalog dolls, read circa 2004/2005. [s]

[Alexander]

I am looking for an illustrated children's novel from no later than 2004 or 2005 involving a character receiving mysterious packages of dolls via mail order catalogue. I vaguely remember a fifth grade classmate's report on the book, but I didn't read the book myself, but that should give a sense of the intended audience. Black and white pencil illustrations are interspersed throughout. It was set in a contemporary American suburb and was written in English. I'm certain it is not The Doll People, although right now that is the only search result I have from that period involving dolls.

[Rainbowheart]

Do you remember what type of dolls?

Barbie dolls, china dolls, baby dolls, etc.

Was it just realistic fiction, or fantasy or horror?

[Alexander]

It was realistic fiction with a mystery/magic undercurrent; I’m not sure I remember exactly what the dolls were made of, but they weren’t stuffed toys.

[Rainbowheart]

There's a list for Doll Stories, but I'm not sure if your book is on it. Might be worth a look to see.

[Alexander]

I figured it out! It’s Sender Unknown by Sallie Lowenstein, which was published by Scholastic in 2006!

[Rainbowheart]

Awesome, glad you found it!

Sender Unknown for the link.

[Alexander]

Also, I checked the discussion, and someone else appears to have already made this request.

[Rainbowheart]

Yeah, looks like it's come up twice before!

Sounds like a memorable story. Another along the same lines is Conrad: The Factory-Made Boy, if you're interested.