In Shelia Gamberonis story, she talks to Wesley about how she wants to change her name. Wesley explains to her that everyone is different. Every character in this story is different.

Wesley: the first student to read his poetry infront of the class, a poem about Langston Hughes. Although hes not really interested in school, he still attends.

Tyrone: he thinks school is a joke, and is constantly talking about how since hes black, he doesnt have a future. He dreams of being a songwriter. Tyrone really gets into "open mike fridays" and eventually talks infront of the school about how it brought the whole class closer together.

Chankara: she comes to school with a bruise on her face, from her boyfriend. Shes lived with constantly seeing her sister beat up as well. She knows she doesnt deserve to be hit.

Raul: he is a painter, and paints during lunchtime. The first in his family to be an artist. Mr. Ward leaves him watercolor and paper, and he is often painting self portraits.

Diondra: she is also an artist. she isn't as confident as Raul, and doesn't show many people her work. Shes the tallest girl in school, but won't play basketball like her father wishes. Her dad doesn't appriceate her art.

Devon: he is called Jump Shot around school, but doesn't like the nickname. He loves to read, his favorite is The Panther & the Lash. He won't admit that he likes to read to anyone, because its not "cool".

Lupe: her real father left when she was five, and her older siblings have moved out. She lives with her mother and Berto, her step dad. Lupe envies of Gloria, who has a child. Lupe wants a child of her own, because she wants somebody to love.

Gloria: she has a child named Angel, who she loves. Gloria understands the troubles of having a child in a way that Lupe doesnt. She says that life isnt about her anymore, its about her son. She thinks Lupe is lucky.

Janelle: Janelle likes Devon, but is insecure about her weight. She is constantly made fun of about it. She wishes she was prettier, like Tanisha or Gloria. She writes about being beautiful inside.

Leslie: Leslie moved to New York City from Westchester County. She is white, unlike many of the other students. She notices the differences in her music (along with other things), and the rest of the students. Her mother passed away of cancer, and she becomes friends with Porscha, whos mom died too.

Judianne: Judianne hates the way she looks because her step father constantly tells her shes ugly. She makes her own clothes, and it constantly wearing tiny outfits to hide her insecurity.

Tanisha: Tanisha is constantly complimented for her light skin and good hair. She cant stand the attention, and cuts off her hair. Tanisha also convinces Diondra to show people her artwork.

Sterling: Sterling plays the bass guitar, often at "open mike fridays". Around school, he is called Preacher, even though he doesn't intend on becoming a preacher. He is made fun of for talking about Jesus, but doesn't care, because he has seen Jesus help his mother.

Amy: Amy doesn't have many friends at school besises Sterling, who is always giving her advice. Her mother left the family, and her Father won't express emotion. Amy doesn't like either of them. She is jealous of the friendships she sees around school.

Shelia: Shelia wants to change her name to Natalina. She hates her pale skin and light eyes, especially in a school where that is not common. She attempts to change herself, but is conviced by Wesley that everyone is different.

Steve: Steve loves Broadway and wants to be a set designer. His parents are making him move away from New York.

Raynard: Raynard loves music, and says it comes easier than words. He has a saxophone, and plays it when he recites his poems. He tells that class at open mike that he has dyslexia.

Porscha: Porscha hates her name, because of the constant jokes. She is known as a bully, because she lost her temper once. She gets it from her mother, who used to hit her. Her mother died, and Porscha finally forgives her.

At one point, Tyrone says "you never think other people got feelings". People are constantly making fun of others, without caring how it makes them feel. I'll stop and think next time i go to say something about someone else.