Maya is a ninth-grade student and a Kazakh immigrant adjusting to life in America. She finds physical and social freedom on her school's gymnastics team, which contrasts with her strict household. As the eldest daughter, she shoulders heavy burdens, acting as the family translator and performing domestic chores. She longs for the typical American teenage experience, especially the chance to attend school dances like the upcoming Spring Fling.

Mr. Alazova is a former teacher from Kazakhstan who now works as a taxi driver to support his family in America. He struggles to adjust to his new country and acts as the strict patriarch of his household. He demands adherence to traditional Kazakh gender roles and reacts with intense anger when he feels his daughter behaves inappropriately.

Nurzhan is Maya's younger brother, an elementary school student adapting to American culture faster than his parents. He faces anti-immigrant bullying at school and gets involved in physical altercations to defend himself. Despite his young age, he recognizes his sister's sacrifices and possesses a quiet maturity.

Mrs. Alazova is a former teacher who now works cleaning houses to help support her family. She maintains traditional expectations for her daughter, relying heavily on Maya's labor to keep her jobs and the household running when things get difficult. She excuses her son's behavior while placing intense pressure on her daughter.

Shannon is Maya's close friend and fellow gymnast. Her grandparents immigrated from China, but her family is thoroughly Americanized. She represents the culturally assimilated lifestyle that Maya admires, particularly the equal division of household chores between her parents.

Daniel is a member of the school wrestling team and Maya's romantic crush. He pays attention to Maya, listens to her, and playfully interacts with her and her friends after sports practices.

Ossie is a student at Evergreen Elementary who repeatedly targets Nurzhan. He uses racist and anti-immigrant insults, telling Nurzhan he will never be a real American, which provokes a physical fight.

Madina is Maya's aunt who uses an international dating magazine to find an American husband. She marries Bob Campbell and moves to the United States, subsequently sponsoring her sister's family to immigrate. Her husband's job transfer to Chicago ultimately isolates the Alazovas in a new city.

Bob Campbell marries Madina Zhamejakov after meeting her through an international dating magazine. His job transfer to Chicago forces Madina to move, leaving the Alazova family alone in a new environment.