Kenneth is a 10-year-old fourth grader at Clark Elementary School who loves to read and struggles to fit in with his peers. Because of his advanced reading abilities and a vision condition he calls a "lazy eye," he frequently faces teasing and relies on his older brother for a measure of protection. He longs for genuine friendship and tries to understand the complex behaviors of the people around him, often finding himself caught between seeking independence and wanting the safety of his tight-knit family.

Byron is a 13-year-old sixth grader who has failed a grade, making him one of the oldest students at Clark Elementary. He views himself as a cool, untouchable teenager but occasionally falls victim to his own vanity, such as when he kisses his reflection and gets his lips stuck to a frozen car mirror. He frequently skips school, experiments with matches, and bullies younger kids, though he maintains a complex, occasionally protective stance toward his siblings.

Wilona is a caring mother who grew up in the warmer climate of Birmingham, Alabama. She intensely dislikes the freezing Michigan winters and frequently reminds her family of the Southern warmth she left behind. She strictly enforces household rules, meticulously plans the family's budget in a dedicated notebook, and insists on dressing her children in excessive layers to protect them from the cold.

Daniel is a humorous father who uses dramatic storytelling to lighten the mood during miserable weather. He enjoys teasing his wife about her past suitors and maintains the family's 1948 Plymouth, the Brown Bomber. He possesses a practical nature and a tendency to laugh at the absurd situations his children create, but he can enforce serious discipline when his oldest son crosses the line.

Joetta, frequently called Joey, is a sweet and highly emotional kindergarten student at Clark Elementary. She intensely dislikes wearing the bulky winter clothing her mother forces upon her but complies when her older brother tells her frightening stories about the cold. She feels deeply for others and cries easily, stepping in physically to protect her family members from harm or punishment.

Rufus is a new student at Clark Elementary who recently moved to Flint from Arkansas. He shares a single set of cold-weather clothes with his younger brother and faces intense teasing from the rest of the school for his country habits. He actively seeks out friendship, sharing a mutual interest in plastic dinosaurs and providing much-needed companionship during recess.

Grandma Sands is a strict, no-nonsense older woman living in a quiet neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama. Although she is physically tiny and frail, she commands absolute respect from her family through her firm voice and confident demeanor. She lives in a house with an outhouse and maintains an independent lifestyle that influences the behavior of everyone who visits.

Buphead is an older student at Clark Elementary who has failed a grade alongside his best friend. He acts as a primary negative influence, encouraging skipping school and participating in bullying behavior at the bus stop.

Larry is a fourth grader who relies on physical intimidation to maintain his status at elementary school. He targets vulnerable students, stealing winter clothing and delivering harsh face-washes in the snow, though he remains fearful of older, stronger students who hold more power.

LJ is a neighborhood boy who previously spent time playing pretend dinosaur wars. He used deceptive tactics to distract his playmate and steal a large collection of plastic toys, leaving a lasting impression on how others view friendship.

Cody is a young boy from Arkansas who wears hand-me-down clothing and sticks closely to his older brother in their new Michigan environment. He relies entirely on his sibling to navigate the difficult social hierarchy of their new school.

Mr. Robert is an older gentleman who spends time with a strict grandmother in Birmingham. He enjoys telling stories about his past hunting adventures and shows deep affection for his aging animal companion, readily sharing his outdoor knowledge with visitors.

Toddy is an old, retired hunting dog who lives in Alabama. He used to trail raccoons into lakes with great skill but is now too elderly for the hunt, spending his days resting in the heat.

Mrs. Davidson is a friendly neighbor in Flint who wants to wish a local family well on their journey to the South. She presents a small, white plaster figurine as a token of her affection.

Moses is a man from the South who previously tried to court a young woman before she moved to Michigan. He is primarily known through the exaggerated, humorous stories told by a father to entertain his children during cold weather.

Mr. Mitchell is a local grocer who manages the credit accounts for neighborhood families. He patiently explains the payment system to nervous young customers who mistakenly believe they are accepting welfare food.

Mr. Johnson is a knowledgeable friend who advises a father on the mechanical feasibility of driving an older car straight through to Alabama without stopping for rest.

Miss Henry is an elementary school educator who is deeply impressed by advanced literacy skills. She actively challenges gifted readers, occasionally turning books upside down to force them to slow their reading pace.