Patricia "Sweet Pea" DiMarco

Sweet Pea is 13 years old and in the final weeks of seventh grade as the novel opens. She is the daughter of Liz and Andre, who have recently divorced. Sweet Pea, as she is referred to throughout this guide and in the novel, is heavyset and a strong character. She sometimes struggles with her self-image, fearing that other people see her merely as a fat girl. She is usually self-confident, but she lacks the confidence to speak well when she does a report at the end of the school year.

Sweet Pea considers Oscar her best friend, and he feels the same. Oscar stands beside her, always offering his vocal and heartfelt support. For example, he is invited to Kiera's birthday party but he does not mention it to Sweet Pea and does not plan to go because he knows she is not invited. Even...