Main Characters
- Alice Ann Moxley was a girl who just moved from Chicago to Mississippi because her father, an FBI agent, was assigned to help protect the black people who are registering to vote. She tried to befriend Saranne, leader of the cheerleaders, but fails. When the new girl, Valerie Taylor, came to her class she thought she wouldn't be alone anymore, but soon realizes Valerie is not looking for a friend. Alice, then tried to become a cheerleader but soon realized the cheerleaders only wanted her to pull dirty tricks on Valerie. After Valerie's father died, Alice finally listened to her heart. I think Alice should've listened to her heart in the first place. I am not like Alice at all but I like her character and how she finally decided to be with Valerie's cousin since Valerie moved to New York.
- Valerie Taylor was the daughter of Reverend Taylor. She was mistreated because of her race and her parents. Even though people harassed and mistreated her, she ignored and blamed it on herself. She was (described in the book) one cool customer. Valerie had no friends but didn't want any. I wonder why she refused to make friends? I think Valerie was a great person who went through a LOT of troubles. I admire her because she was a strong and brave girl. She eventually moved to New York to be with other family members after her father's death.
- Saranne Russell was the leader of the cheerleaders. She controlled the whole sixth grade and Alice envied her. She was the mean girl of the story who discriminated against colored people. She made fun of Valerie and Alice but, pulled pranks on only Valerie. I think Sarranne shouldn't be alive. She was selfish and obnoxious. I would love to see her disappear though.