Laura is an 11-year-old girl placed in foster care after her parents are sent to a rehab facility for substance use disorders. She feels entirely misplaced in her new, affluent school and views her living arrangement as strictly temporary. She loves birds and uses facts about them to understand her changing world. Driven by guilt over calling 911 on her parents, she fixates on training a rescued puppy so she can gain permission to visit her family.

Titi Silvia is Laura's wealthy, highly organized aunt who works long hours as a doctor at Dominion Springs Hospital. She takes pride in her Puerto Rican heritage and frequently speaks Spanish at home. Having never raised children, she relies heavily on strict schedules and house rules, which creates immediate friction with her niece.

Sparrow is a sweet, skittish male puppy rescued by Laura. He is easily frightened by loud noises and household objects like mailboxes, but he possesses an incredibly gentle disposition. He undergoes training to become a certified therapy dog, learning commands quickly when motivated by treats and affection.

Benson is a cheerful sixth-grade boy at Riverview Elementary who actively pursues a friendship with Laura despite her initial coldness. He manages sickle cell disease, a chronic condition that causes him frequent pain and hospital stays. His health struggles have cost him friendships in the past, giving him a mature and empathetic perspective on life's difficulties.

Laura's mother is currently receiving treatment for a substance use disorder at a facility called Harmonic Way. In Laura's memories, she is a fun, affectionate parent who enjoyed baking cinnamon rolls and telling bedtime stories. Her past includes a painful separation from her own parents in Puerto Rico due to their intolerance of her bisexuality.

Laura's father is a patient at Harmonic Way alongside his wife. Before his substance use disorder caused the family to separate, he passed down a deep love and extensive knowledge of birds to his daughter. He previously ran a food truck with his wife.

A practical social worker assigned to handle Laura's foster care placement. She strictly enforces the rules regarding contact between Laura and her parents, believing that communication might disrupt their rehabilitation progress.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) dedicated to ensuring Laura's voice is heard during the legal and social services processes. She is empathetic, comforting, and fiercely advocates for Laura's right to be involved in meetings about her own future.

A family therapist (who uses they/them pronouns) tasked with helping Laura and Silvia build a healthier relationship. Dr. T. utilizes a therapy dog to help clients feel safe enough to speak about difficult emotions.

The school librarian at Riverview Elementary. She is observant and supportive, successfully bypassing Laura's resistance to books by introducing her to middle-grade graphic novels.

A kind reading specialist at Riverview Elementary who helps Laura build her literacy skills. She creatively suggests that Laura practice reading aloud to Sparrow.

A classmate of Laura's who used to play baseball. He was previously close friends with Benson before Benson's chronic illness strained their connection.

Dr. T.'s gentle Labrador therapy dog. His calm presence helps Laura feel comfortable enough to open up about her fears and frustrations.

Benson's beloved pet pug. She has already passed her Good Citizen Test and serves as both a playful companion and a role model for Sparrow.