Sophie is an inquisitive 12-year-old girl who recently moved from Los Angeles to a rural farming town after her family experienced financial hardship. Struggling with feelings of isolation and grief over lost relatives, she channels her energy into cleaning up the abandoned farm property. She soon discovers an aptitude for agriculture and takes on the demanding task of raising unusual chickens.

Sophie's parents are facing considerable financial stress following Dad's recent job loss, prompting their sudden move from Los Angeles to the rural farm. Mom works hard as a freelance writer to provide the family's sole income, while Dad scrambles to find new employment and fill out applications. Despite their preoccupations and initial hesitation about the costs of farm animals, they strive to support Sophie's agricultural interests.

Sue Griegson is an established member of the local poultry community who primarily raises Rhode Island Red chickens. She leads the area's 4-H club and frequently offers agricultural advice to local residents. However, her intense interest in the Brown farm and the unusual chickens residing there puts her directly at odds with Sophie.

Gregory is the friendly mailman servicing the Brown family's rural route. As one of the few other people of color in the predominantly white town, he quickly becomes a comforting and encouraging presence for Sophie. He takes a genuine interest in her correspondence and offers thoughtful perspectives on her transition to country living.

Agnes is the proprietor of Redwood Farm Supply, a company that specializes in unusual chickens and poultry equipment. She provides Sophie with free lessons on chicken care and valuable background information regarding Great-Uncle Jim's flock. Her letters are notoriously riddled with typos, but she proves to be an essential guide for Sophie's agricultural education.

Great-Uncle Jim is Sophie's late relative who left his rural property and its eclectic contents to the Brown family. Though Sophie was too young to remember him well during his life, she learns about his legacy, his inventive nature, and his unique flock of chickens as she explores his property and connects with his former neighbors.

Abuelita is Sophie's beloved late grandmother. Sophie frequently writes heartfelt letters to her as a way to process her grief, document her adjustment to farm life, and cope with her feelings of isolation. Abuelita's memory, particularly her unreadable cursive and her famous migas recipe, remains a strong presence in the Brown family's daily life.

Chris is a local boy around Sophie's age who lives on a nearby farm. He is a talented comic artist who raises poultry and knows a great deal about the local agricultural community, including memories of Great-Uncle Jim. He helps introduce Sophie to the wider world of poultry shows and rural life.

Ms. O'Malley is a helpful librarian who assists the Brown family with their research into chicken care and local history. She is knowledgeable about the town's residents and their farming habits, providing Sophie with crucial context about the local poultry community.

Henrietta is a small, demanding Bantam White Leghorn chicken who unexpectedly appears on Sophie's farm. She is the first of Great-Uncle Jim's unusual flock that Sophie encounters, possessing unique telekinetic abilities and a knack for locking her own coop.

Chameleon is a Barred Plymouth Rock chicken with color-changing, camouflaging feathers. As the second of Great-Uncle Jim's unusual chickens that Sophie discovers, she provides the Brown family with their very first delicious farm-fresh eggs.

Roadrunner is an incredibly fast, fluffy black Bantam Frizzle Cochin chicken. She initially evades capture due to her immense speed but eventually integrates into Sophie's growing flock after being lured with seeds.

Buffy is a rare Buff Orpington hen who originally belonged to Great-Uncle Jim. She is brought to Sophie's farm after a dangerous incident at her previous home, requiring Sophie to learn specific safety protocols regarding her care.

Jane is a worker at the local agricultural feed store. She interacts with Sophie about purchasing supplies, provides information regarding the town's upcoming poultry show, and mentions the history of Great-Uncle Jim's glass eggs.