Lexie is a sixth-grader who desires to grow up quickly. Her mother works long hours, leaving Lexie to spend significant time alone and seek validation elsewhere. She struggles with body image and peer pressure, which leads her to spend time with older teenagers in an abandoned house.

Peter is a mischievous sixth-grader known for his impulsive behavior and pranks. He struggles with parental expectations regarding his future education at a private prep school. Deeply devoted to his teacher, he hatches a secret plan to avoid graduating so he can stay in his current public school.

Luke is a highly intelligent, scientifically minded sixth-grader. He views scientists as detectives and applies this mindset to his daily life, constantly asking questions. He keenly observes his surroundings and worries about his teacher's physical well-being after noticing subtle symptoms.

Anna is a quiet, observant sixth-grader raised by a single mother. She possesses a degree of innocence compared to her peers and often notices subtle changes in her classmates' behaviors. She spends much of her free time assisting adults and remaining close to her family.

Danielle is a devout Christian sixth-grader who lives on a generational farm. She struggles with body image insecurities and worries about her family's ongoing land disputes. She relies heavily on prayer to process her confusion about the world and her physically changing body.

Jeffrey is a sixth-grader dealing with a difficult home environment due to his family's intense grief over his deceased brother. He frequently escapes to school to avoid the quiet sadness of his house. His life shifts dramatically when he discovers an abandoned infant on his way to school.

Jessica is an observant, creative sixth-grader who views her life through the lens of a film director. She loves writing and often frames her experiences as movie scripts. She acts as a supportive friend who values cooperation over competition in the classroom.

Mr. Terupt is a dedicated, compassionate sixth-grade teacher recovering from a severe head injury sustained the previous year. He employs creative, literature-based teaching methods to impart life lessons to his students. He maintains a close, protective bond with his class and intervenes directly in their personal struggles.

Ms. Newberry is another teacher at Snow Hill School. She spends significant time assisting Mr. Terupt and his students, acting as a caring presence during school crises. She forms a special connection with Mr. Terupt's class over the course of the year.

Mrs. Williams is the principal of Snow Hill School. She holds a special affection for Mr. Terupt's class due to the trauma they endured the previous year.

Terri is Anna's single mother. She relies on inherited property for financial stability, allowing her to devote extensive time to her daughter. She faces ongoing judgment from some community members due to her past choices.

Grandma Evelyn is Danielle's grandmother and a stern matriarch of the family farm. She holds strict religious views and maintains long-standing grudges against neighbors she deems improper. She acts as Danielle's primary confidante regarding school events.

Reena is a teenager who hangs out in an abandoned house near the school. She encourages younger kids to adopt mature, rebellious behaviors and styles.

Lisa is a teenager who serves as an aspirational figure for younger girls. She occupies the abandoned house and maintains a relationship with an unpredictable boy.

Brandon is an older teenager who frequently visits the abandoned house. He exhibits reckless behavior, carrying alcohol to school and driving dangerously, creating unsafe situations for those around him.

Jeffrey's mother is a woman consumed by grief following the death of her son. Her deep depression creates a quiet, disconnected home environment until a new presence brings hope back into her life.

Jeffrey's father copes with family tragedy by throwing himself into work. He gradually reconnects with his son through shared activities like building furniture and attending sports.

Lexie's mother works long hours at a restaurant called the Pines. Her exhaustive schedule causes a strained relationship with her daughter, though she works hard out of financial necessity as a single parent.

Peter's mother is a career-focused parent with high expectations for her son's education. She pushes for him to attend a prestigious private school, often without consulting his personal wishes.

Peter's father is a somewhat distant figure who aligns with his wife's educational plans for their son. He struggles to communicate openly with Peter regarding personal decisions.

Asher is an abandoned infant found outdoors in the cold. He requires immediate medical attention and becomes a source of hope and focus for the surrounding community.

Derek is an exchange student from Woods View School. He exhibits mean-spirited behavior, making insensitive comments toward his peers and disrespectful remarks toward adults.

Charlie is Danielle's older brother who helps maintain the family farm. He spends time assisting his family with agricultural duties while forming new connections in the local community.

Danielle's mother works on the family farm and shields her children from the stressful realities of their property disputes. She struggles to discuss sensitive topics, like puberty, with her daughter.

Danielle's father is a busy farmer focused on protecting his family's livelihood. He avoids discussing the farm's precarious situation with the younger family members.

Jessica's mother shares a close, supportive bond with her daughter, encouraging her creative pursuits following the departure of her husband.

Jessica's father is an estranged parent who left the family. His actions cause his daughter lingering resentment, particularly regarding his new relationships.

Luke's father is an intellectual man who supports his son quietly. He prefers reading complex scientific texts over yelling at sports events, which his son deeply appreciates.

Michael is Jeffrey's deceased brother. Though no longer present, his loss casts a long shadow over his family's daily life and shapes his older brother's fierce protective instincts.

Richard is Peter's older brother. He maintains a busy schedule that keeps him largely detached from his younger sibling's daily struggles.