Shayla is a Black seventh grader at Emerson Junior High who actively avoids trouble at all costs. Her anxiety manifests physically, causing her hands to itch whenever she fears breaking rules or upsetting authority figures. She relies heavily on her diverse friend group, the "United Nations," and focuses her attention on tracking her crush on a popular boy. Though she records detailed observations in an "eyeball journal" for English class, she initially shrinks away from family discussions regarding an ongoing trial involving a police shooting.

Julia is a Japanese American student and one-third of the "United Nations" friend group. She plays in an Asian American basketball league and slowly begins distancing herself from Shayla and Isabella to spend time with other peers. She adopts new slang and adds highlights to her hair to fit in with popular girls, causing tension within her original friend group.

Isabella is a Puerto Rican American student who forms the final third of the "United Nations." She recently had her braces removed and her eyebrows waxed, making her the subject of Shayla's envy and Jace Hayward's attention. She deals with her parents' divorce by asking for and collecting kittens. She struggles to set boundaries and frequently attempts to please others.

Hana is Shayla's older sister who frequently models political activism. She wears a Black Lives Matter armband to school and challenges her family to face uncomfortable truths about racial injustice. She questions the school's Eurocentric curriculum and attends local protests, pushing Shayla to pay attention to current events rather than focusing solely on popularity.

Principal Trask is the strict administrator at Emerson Junior High. She enforces school rules rigidly and arbitrarily, demonstrating racial bias in her disciplinary actions. She views political expression as disruptive and uses her authority to suppress student protests and individual expression.

Jace is a handsome, popular student with lime-green eyes and a cool demeanor. He is the primary subject of Shayla's early romantic interest, even though he previously mocked her physical appearance. He uses his social status to intimidate others and only shows interest in Shayla as a stepping stone to learn more about Isabella.

Momma is Shayla's mother. She hosts a book club with her friends, enforces household rules, and frequently attempts to shield Shayla from the harsher realities of the world. She begins the story feeling reserved about protests and cautions her daughters against drawing unnecessary attention.

Daddy is Shayla's father. He frequently discusses racial disparities with his family and supports Hana's activism. He acts as a mentor to Shayla regarding racial issues, explaining the historical context behind current events and the necessity of certain community spaces.

Coach West is the physical education and track coach, and the only Black teacher at Emerson Junior High. She recruits Shayla for the track team and provides guidance on both athletics and peer conflicts. She acts as a mentor, pushing Shayla out of her comfort zone while defending her students against unfair treatment.

Ms. Jacobs is Shayla's English teacher. She assigns the "eyeball journal" that prompts Shayla to observe her surroundings more closely. She frequently singles Shayla out during class discussions about race and abolition, showing a lack of sensitivity to middle school social dynamics despite her supportive intentions.

Mr. Powell is the history teacher at Emerson Junior High. He frequently wears flamboyant scarves despite students mocking him. He teaches his students about historical prejudices and uses his personal style to demonstrate that it is acceptable to stand out and be different.

Bernard is a large Black student assigned as Shayla's science lab partner. Shayla fears him due to an incident with Legos in second grade, viewing him as a bully. Despite his rough exterior and tendency to get into trouble with teachers, he shows defensive loyalty to other students and attempts to connect with Shayla.

Yolanda is Shayla's physical education partner and shop classmate. She represents Shayla's first Black friend, though Shayla feels awkward around her and mostly observes her hairstyles for her journal assignment. Yolanda expects Shayla to treat others with kindness and calls her out when she acts poorly.

Tyler is a Black student in shop class. He develops a crush on Shayla and attempts to flirt with her, ignoring her clear disinterest. He exaggerates their interactions to others, creating rumors that they are dating, and struggles to understand boundaries regarding physical consent.

Angie is an eighth-grade track runner who helps Shayla learn how to run hurdles. She is popular among the Black students and serves as a bridge for Shayla to connect with the rest of the track team. She is playful but also holds assumptions about how Black girls should behave.

Stacy is a popular Asian American girl who heavily influences Julia. She plays basketball and dictates social trends, such as participating in the "Command" game. She frequently makes derisive comments that Julia copies.

Alex is a classmate who becomes the target of Jace's bullying during a cafeteria game. Rather than submitting to the humiliation, he turns the situation around by rapping on top of a table.

Mr. Levy is the science teacher at Emerson Junior High. He demonstrates implicit bias by micromanaging Bernard and unfairly punishing him for minor infractions or accidents.

Carmetta is an exceptionally fast runner on the track team. Her athletic prowess initially makes Shayla feel unworthy of joining the team.

Mrs. Alvarez is Isabella's mother. She is described as beautiful and pedantic, frequently lecturing her daughter about setting boundaries with boys despite Isabella having no interest in dating.