Mrs. Olinski is a sixth-grade teacher at Epiphany Middle School. She returns to the classroom after a ten-year absence following a car crash that paralyzed her from the waist down and took the life of her husband. She battles nervousness and the cruel mockery of several students during her first days back. Relying on observation rather than tryouts, she appoints four unique students to represent her class in the Academic Bowl.

Julian is a sixth grader who recently moved to Epiphany after growing up on a cruise ship and attending boarding school in England. He speaks with a British accent and practices magic tricks. His formal clothing, including shorts and knee-length socks, makes him a target for bullies. Despite constant harassment, he maintains a cheerful disposition and brings his classmates together by inviting them to a weekend tea party.

Noah is an intelligent sixth grader who loves to state facts and correct others. He spends part of his summer in Florida at his grandparents' retirement community, Century Village. He is resourceful and willing to step in when plans go wrong, eventually serving as the substitute best man at a neighbor's wedding and learning calligraphy in the process.

Nadia is a sixth grader with red curls and a sharp intellect. She moves to New York following her parents' divorce, splitting her time between there and Florida. She feels angry about the changes in her family structure and resents being excluded from the decisions shaping her life. She prefers the company of her mixed-breed dog over most people but eventually finds a place in a new social circle.

Ethan is a quiet sixth grader whose family has farmed in Epiphany for generations. He helps his mother sell produce at the local farmer's market. He isolates himself to avoid comparisons with his high-achieving older brother, secretly harboring dreams of designing theater sets in New York City. He breaks out of his self-imposed silence after standing up for a new student on the school bus.

Hamilton, known as Ham, is a classroom bully at Epiphany Middle School. He frequently targets classmates who look different and attempts to humiliate his teacher regarding her physical limitations. He uses his mother's veterinary supplies for cruel pranks.

Mr. Singh is Julian's father and a former chef on a cruise ship. He purchases Sillington house, the oldest farmhouse in Clarion County, to settle down and convert it into a bed and breakfast. He offers a welcoming, non-judgmental environment to his son's friends and teachers.

Margaret is a former school principal who retires to Florida and becomes an official sea turtle steward. She organizes morning walks along the beach to rescue hatchlings. She marries Izzy Diamondstein, bringing different families together, and remains a steadfast supporter of her old friend, Mrs. Olinski.

Izzy is a resident of Century Village and an active volunteer who monitors loggerhead turtle nests. He finds joy in his new marriage to Margaret Draper but struggles to handle his granddaughter's anger over the family's recent changes.

Allen is Nadia's father who lives in a singles apartment complex in Florida. Following his divorce, he appears anxious when spending time with his daughter and is unsure how to connect with her. He works to bridge the distance between them and accidentally breaks his ankle before his father's wedding.

Michael is a sixth-grade student who initially participates in bullying at Epiphany Middle School. He works closely with his dog, Arnold, during the school play rehearsals and eventually changes his attitude toward his classmates.

Dr. Rohmer is the District Superintendent for Clarion County. Despite boasting about his multiculturalism training, he frequently makes ignorant, ableist, and racist remarks to his staff.

Ginger is a mixed-breed dog described as a genius. She provides emotional support to her owner and successfully auditions for the role of Sandy in the high school production of Annie.

Nate is a resident of a Florida retirement community. He gives his grandson a red wagon, which proves essential for transporting supplies during a chaotic wedding preparation.

Sadie is a resident of Century Village who uses her culinary skills to help her neighbors celebrate their marriage.

Tillie is an expert calligrapher in Century Village. She patiently teaches a visiting grandson the basics of calligraphy, including the proper way to fill a pen.

Jared is a student at Epiphany Middle School who aligns himself with the classroom bullies, participating in disruptions and mean-spirited schemes.

Luke is Ethan's high-achieving older brother. He attends college, but his stellar reputation remains at Epiphany Middle School, forcing Ethan to live in his shadow.

Arnold is Michael Froelich's dog. He serves as the understudy for the role of Sandy in the high school production of Annie.

Dr. Gershom is Noah's father and a dentist in Epiphany. He provides employment for Nadia's mother.

Dr. Knapp is a local veterinarian and Hamilton's mother. She inadvertently supplies the animal tranquilizers her son uses for his pranks.