Alexa is a nine-year-old student living in London with her mother following the sudden death of her father. She is naturally observant and generous, noticing details about her classmates that others frequently miss. Her innocence and straightforward sense of justice drive her desire to befriend the newest student in her class, despite xenophobic rumors spread by other children.

Ahmet is a nine-year-old Syrian refugee newly placed in Alexa's primary school. He initially keeps his head down, avoids eye contact, and does not speak English, which makes him the target of classroom rumors. Coming from a war-torn country, he carries a tattered backpack and requires time and space to adjust to his unfamiliar surroundings.

Alexa's mother works two jobs, part-time as a nurse and full-time as a librarian, to support her family after her husband's death. She treats Alexa with respect, taking time to explain complex global issues like the refugee crisis in terms a nine-year-old can understand.

Brendan is the most notorious bully in Alexa's grade. He spends his time thinking of mean things to do to other students and specifically targets Ahmet because the new boy is quiet, different, and vulnerable.

Tom is an American boy with short spiky hair who joined Alexa's class the previous year. He is a loyal member of Alexa's core friend group and readily supports her plans to make their new classmate feel welcome.

Josie is a smart, athletic student with large brown eyes who excels at soccer. As one of Alexa's best friends, she uses her sports skills to help bridge the gap between their friend group and the new boy, Ahmet.

Michael is a well-meaning but clumsy boy with a puffy Afro. He is a core member of Alexa's friend group, offering a silly and lighthearted presence while remaining dedicated to their collective efforts to be kind to Ahmet.

Mrs. Khan is a primary school teacher whom Alexa and her friends highly prefer over their previous instructor. She is patient, attentive, and deeply protective of her students, setting firm boundaries to ensure Ahmet has a safe environment to learn.

Ms. Hemsi is a teaching assistant assigned to help Ahmet adjust to his new school. Because she speaks Kurdish, she serves as a vital translator for communication between Ahmet, the teachers, and his new classmates.

Mrs. Sanders is the school principal. She is responsible for managing major disciplinary issues and handling the broader administrative challenges that arise when a refugee student joins the school.

Mr. Irons is a strict teacher who oversees playground activities. He tends to be quick to judge, often failing to listen to the full story before handing out punishments to the students.

Uncle Lenny is Alexa's maternal uncle and a taxi driver. He is a comforting, jovial presence in Alexa's life, regularly visiting to tell funny stories and helping her process her grief over her father's passing.

Liam is one of Brendan's closest friends and sidekicks. He follows Brendan's lead, participating in cruel behavior toward Ahmet and the rest of the class without questioning it.

Chris is another of Brendan's primary sidekicks. Like Liam, he enables Brendan's bullying and provides an audience for his mean-spirited pranks against the other children.

Christina is Uncle Lenny's wife. During family visits, she sometimes makes offhand comments that cause tension, though she ultimately shares her family's interest in their history of helping refugees.

Mr. Greggs is a neighbor living in Alexa's apartment building. He holds highly prejudiced views against refugees and openly expresses his hostility toward the idea of people from other countries entering the UK.