Character Analysis
Joci
Joci is Corinna's best friend who becomes her not-so-best friend when she spills the beans to their posse about Corinna's mom being sick. Among Joci's other offenses are (maybe?) stealing Corinna's charm bracelet, saying she'd kill herself if her mom died, and complaining at lunch about all the trivial stuff her mom won't let her do. She ultimately apologizes, telling Corinna she wasn't sure how to act after Sophie died, and the two of them become best friends again. Phew.
Aunt Jennifer
Aunt Jennifer is Sophie's sister who lives in California and comes to Bethesda for Sophie's funeral. Corinna loves her, and she's the relative with whom Corinna would live if her dad (heaven forbid) died, too. Any time Corinna calls Aunt Jennifer, she's ready to have whatever conversation her niece needs.
Joci's Mom
Joci's mom is the closest person Corinna has to a surrogate mom, which is part of why it really matters that Corinna and Joci mend their relationships. After all, who else is going to take Corinna bra shopping?
Alex
Alex is Corinna's first crush, with whom she has her first kiss, and since his parents are divorced, he can sort of understand what she's going through. He plays drums in the school band.
Beth
Beth is the "queen bee" of junior high school. She invites Corinna to her country club for lunch as an expression of sympathy, but Corinna feels uncomfortable and doesn't go. It's not like she and Beth are actually friends or anything.
Olivia, Juliette, and Eliana
These are Corinna's girlfriends, the ladies she eats lunch with. Olivia's the one who walks past the graveyard with Corinna and tells ghost stories, making it clear that while she might be lunch company, she's not exactly a sensitive person.
Deborah
Deborah is Sophie's best friend who used to play chamber music with her. She shows up to try to help Corinna and her dad during their grief, and even compiles letters from Sophie's friends to give to Corinna. In short, Deborah's a good friend to Sophie even after she dies.
Mrs. Simmons
Mrs. Simmons is the nosy next-door neighbor who won't stop coming by and inviting the Burdettes to dinner. She takes (unsolicited) pictures of Sophie on her deathbed, which is majorly creepy, we think.
Miss Beatty
Miss Beatty is Corinna's English teacher. Her mom also died, and she helps Corinna understand the grieving process.
Ms. DuBoise
Mrs. DuBoise is the school counselor. She reaches out to Corinna repeatedly, and starts the grief group for kids who have lost parents.
Ms. Carey
Ms. Carey is Corinna's artsy sewing teacher who makes her own funky clothes and helps Corinna make the memory quilt.
Mr. Spinolli
This is Corinna's gross social studies teacher, who accuses her of cheating on a test, is proven wrong, and doesn't even apologize. Also, his breath smells like blue cheese. Ugh all around.
Coach Montgomery
Coach Montgomery is Corinna's soccer coach who tells the team they should be supportive of her.
Grandma and Bapa
These are Daniel's parents and Corinna's paternal grandparents.
Gigi and Pop Pop
These are Sophie's parents and Corinna's maternal grandparents.
The Ishibashis
The Ishibashis are Sophie's high school host family whom Corinna and her dad meet in Tokyo.
Aiko
Aiko is the Ishibashis' adult daughter, who lives in Kyoto and introduces Corinna and her dad to the Obon festival, thereby helping Corinna with her grief.