The Unbreakable Code

Seventh-grader Emily Crane is the protagonist of The Unbreakable Code, and most of the story is told from her perspective. Emily is a passionate reader and a devoted player of the online game Book Scavenger. Her life has been shaped by frequent moves as her family pursues adventure, but San Francisco has become the first place she genuinely wants to stay. She’s built a meaningful friendship with James, discovered a sense of belonging, and begun to invest in her surroundings through her love of books and puzzles. She feels most comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt and wears her hair in a ponytail.

Though bright and observant, Emily often struggles with self-doubt. She fears public speaking, envies her older brother’s social ease, and tends to second-guess herself in social situations and high-pressure decisions. Over the course of the novel, Emily grows more confident in her voice. This arc culminates in her ability to stand up for Mr. Quisling when he is being framed, as well as her steady leadership during the fire at the school dance. Her character blends intellectual sharpness with emotional sensitivity.