Main Characters:
Taylor Maxwell: a sixth grader who moved with her family to Minnesota from Iowa to live with her grandmother. she is heartfelt, truthful girl, but is afraid to stand up for herself at the beginning of the story because she is so put down by the Mean Bees. she is bold. kind, honest, and wants to do what's right.

Kaitlyn Thompson: Kaitlyn is a former homeless girl who lives with her single mother. she is very reserved because she does not want anyone to find out her secret. she is a very good violin. she and Taylor become friends, but Kaitlyn turns against her when she believes that Taylor told Dakota her secret.

Dakota James: Dakota is a popular bully and the "queen" of the Mean Bees. she appears very innocent after she does something wrong and can seem very intimidating. Dakota is the best swimmer until Taylor comes; Makayla and Ashley do whatever she says. she refers to Taylor and Kaitlyn as "loser 1 and loser2."

Makayla Matthews: Makayla is one of the "Mean Bees" who eventually turns over to Taylor side. she secretly doesn't like what Dakota but is afraid of what will happen if she stands up.

Ashley Johnson: Ashley is the backed up for Dakota, she regards Dakota with near-worship and will do whatever she says. Ashley of all the girls, is not developed much in the book.