The inconsistency you are describing, books getting through but letters and photos not, is a real pattern and it usually points to something specific about how the letters and photos are being sent rather than a blanket rejection of all mail.
Books arrive from Amazon or a recognized publisher with a packing slip that the mailroom can verify as coming from a legitimate source. That format is trusted and moves through quickly. Letters and photos sent from a personal address go through a different level of scrutiny, and there are several reasons they might be getting held or rejected.
Photo restrictions are one of the most common causes. Facilities have specific rules about photo size, paper type, content, and how many can be included in a single envelope. A photo printed at home on regular paper, the wrong size, or with content that a mailroom officer flags can get rejected even if it seems completely harmless. Photos of children are sometimes restricted at facilities where the inmate has a conviction involving minors, even when the photos are entirely appropriate.
Letters can be rejected for missing information, a return address that does not match an approved sender, or content flagged during inspection. Some facilities also reject handwritten letters in favor of typed correspondence depending on current policy.
InmateAid's mail service solves all of these variables because everything that goes out is formatted to meet facility compliance standards. Photos are printed on approved 4x6 glossy stock, letters are printed professionally, and the InmateAid envelope is recognized by mailroom staff at facilities nationwide.
Email aid@inmateaid.com and ask for a free coupon to try the service. It is worth finding out whether compliant formatting is what has been standing between your letters and your inmate.