Langston is an 11-year-old boy who recently moved from a rural Alabama farm to the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. Grieving the loss of his mother, he feels lonely and out of place in the loud, bustling city. Although he is big and strong like his father, he prefers quiet, indoor activities like reading over traditional outdoor labor. He keeps his emotions and his love of books hidden to avoid his father's disapproval.

Henry is Langston's stoic father. He works long days at a Chicago paper factory to provide for his family without the racial subjugation he faced as an Alabama sharecropper. He discourages emotional displays and firmly believes boys should engage in physical, outdoor work rather than reading books.

Miss Fulton is a well-dressed woman who lives across the hall from Langston and Henry. She keeps a pleasant, tidy apartment that contrasts sharply with Langston's sparse living conditions. While Langston initially views her as demanding and strict, she proves to be a capable cook who occasionally steps in to prepare meals when Henry is away.

Lymon is a notoriously cruel bully at Haines Junior High School who targets Langston for his overalls and run-over shoes. Thin as a rail but highly aggressive, he relies on intimidation and physical shoving to maintain power over other students.

Teena was Langston's mother and Henry's wife. Before passing away from a severe illness, she shared a small farm with Henry in rural Alabama. She kept a clean, warm home, cooked delicious meals, and fiercely defended Langston's right to read books instead of doing farm chores.

Clem is a small, skinny boy at Haines Junior High School. He initially appears as one of Lymon's sidekicks who regularly harasses Langston in the schoolyard. However, his presence at the local public library suggests he has quiet interests that conflict with his tough exterior.

Erroll is a student at Haines Junior High School. He acts as one of Lymon's loyal lackeys, joining in the laughter and harassment directed at Langston but generally letting Lymon initiate the confrontations.

Miss Cook is the children's librarian at the George Cleveland Hall Branch. She helps Langston secure a library card, playfully notes his name, and begins setting aside poetry books she believes he will enjoy reading.

Lena is Henry's sister who remained in Alabama. She writes to Henry to request financial assistance to pay for a doctor to treat their ailing mother, heavily relying on the wages he earns in Chicago.

Langston's grandmother is a strong, capable woman who tenderly cared for Langston's mother during her terminal illness. She remained in Alabama when Henry and Langston moved north, eventually falling severely ill herself.

Langston Hughes is a famous African American historical poet whose works are featured at the library. His poetry about missing the South and feeling lonely profoundly affects young Langston, acting as a mirror for the boy's internal struggles.

Gwendolyn Brooks is a celebrated African American historical poet. Her photograph in the library's gallery surprises Langston, expanding his understanding of who can be a published writer.

Countee Cullen is a renowned historical poet and the editor of the anthology *Caroling Dusk*, a book that broadens Langston's literary horizons.

Arna Bontemps is an established African American historical writer associated with the Chicago Black Renaissance, whose legacy contributes to the rich cultural environment of the library.