CHARACTERS
Laura
Laura Mitlowski is another protagonist in this novel and my favourite character. She is very timid and but gets emotionally attached to some people after time, like Ms. Hina. She isn't as educated compared to her other classmates, as she's 7 years old and can't read. She lived with her mother until one day her mother left her in a bowling alley for her father to take her. She's dealing with a lot since her mother neglected and her father abuses her. This leads me to believe she is quiet because she is scared of people hurting her. She is very lonely since her dad was always out of the house so she would stare out of the window all day.
Bing
Bernard Espirito, also known as Bing, is one of the few protagonists in this novel. He's a chubby Filipino boy with a hidden personality. Bing is very intelligent for his age and throughout the novel, we find out that he's in fact gifted. We also learn that Bing is gay as he explores his sexuality by kissing a boy and questioning himself. Bing and his mother are very close and she considers him her hero. The two of them live with their aunt because Bing's father had a mental illness. His mother treats Bing like a treasure and would do anything for him.
Sylvie
Sylvie Beaudoin is another protagonist in this novel. She is an indigenous girl who lives with her brother, mother, and father in a shelter. Her father is currently crippled and her brother is autistic which means her and her mother have to work very hard around the house. She is very obedient as she always does what her mother says because she understands her rough situation and knows her mother needs help. Sylvie has a lot of patience and it shows when her autistic brother is ruining her fun.
Cory
Cory Mitlowski is an antagonist in this novel and the father of Laura. He is white and seems to hate everyone who is a person of colour. Throughout the story, he thinks or even shouts homophobic and racist slurs at others. He's unable to control his anger physically or mentally as we learn that he is abusive towards his daughter. He struggles with alcoholism which could be the reason why he can't control himself. Cory is mad at the world and is taking it out on everyone else.
Ms. Hina
Ms. Hina is a Muslim teacher at Rouge Hill Public School who runs the literacy centre. She's very compassionate, understanding and empathetic which is why most parents love her. Sylvie's mother described her as a kind person who is honoured to do her job. She lets herself get bossed around but can stand up for herself when she's passionate. Ms. Hina loves to help her students and the parents by making sure they all have full stomachs and are happy. She is only a side character but is still important in the growth of this novel.