Alec is a sixth-grade boy whose insatiable passion for reading constantly gets him into trouble at school. Faced with the threat of summer school if he does not improve his classroom focus, he starts a quiet reading group called the Losers Club during his after-school program to ensure uninterrupted reading time. He is resourceful and deeply influenced by the heroes in his books, though he struggles to translate literary wisdom into messy real-life situations.

Kent is a talented, athletic sixth-grader and Alec's former childhood friend. He thrives in the Active Games program and uses his popularity to bully Alec, wielding the term "bookworm" as a frequent insult. He is confident, competitive, and quietly struggles with his parents' ongoing divorce.

Nina is a new sixth-grade student who co-founds the Losers Club with Alec. She is an avid, fast reader who holds strong opinions on literature but also enjoys playing sports in the Active Games program. She is perceptive, confident, and unapologetic about her diverse interests.

Luke is Alec's third-grade younger brother who participates in the Animation Club. He is highly proficient with technology, prefers reading on his iPad, and possesses a surprisingly calm, mature demeanor when dealing with bullies. He often offers grounded advice to his older brother.

Dave is a sixth-grade student who used to be close friends with both Alec and Kent. He finds himself caught in the middle of their rivalry, often reluctantly participating in Active Games under Kent's dominant shadow rather than risking social fallout by joining Alec's club initially.

The school principal who is strictly monitoring Alec's behavior. She institutes a stringent policy regarding his reading habits, holding the threat of summer school over his head if he fails to pay attention in class.

The director of the after-school Extended Day program. She manages the various activities and requires students to formally commit to specific programs, setting the rules that lead to the club's creation.

The head of the Clubs Program in the after-school setup. He provides the paperwork and basic supervision for the students creating and running their own clubs.

A fourth-grade girl who feels insecure about her inability to do origami. Her earnest desire to join a space where she can just read brings out a protective instinct in Alec, helping solidify the club's purpose.

A fourth-grade boy who struggles with sports. Initially pushed around by Kent, he discovers a genuine preference for reading and becomes a loyal member of the Losers Club.

A supportive father and massive Star Wars fan who runs a hard drive company. He provides Alec with crucial perspective on how to handle derogatory labels by sharing his own business experiences with rebranding.

A working mother who shares her husband's intense love for Star Wars memorabilia. She worries about Alec's academic focus and actively engages in negotiating his behavioral plans.

Nina's older brother. He quickly befriends Kent through neighborhood basketball games, inadvertently creating a social bridge between Kent and Nina.

Dave's younger sister. Uninterested in the aggressive sports environment, she decides to join the Losers Club with her friends to have a quiet place to read together.

A young student and friend of Julia who leaves the Active Games program to join the reading group.

Another young student who joins the Losers Club to read alongside Julia and Sarah, contributing to the club's growing noise level.

The teacher who heads the Active Games program during Extended Day. He manages the sports equipment and oversees the physical activities of the students.