Characters

Mildred is the main character. She is 11 years old and lives with her dad in the country. Her mom died from cancer when she was six. She is learning to play chess with her best friend Jacob. and likes to help her dad in the vet office. She tolerates her Aunt Arlene and is focused on growing a giant pumpkin as a way of remembering her mother.

Her dad is a vet who travels to neighboring farms. He is distracted but sides with Mildred when his sister, Arlene, tries to run her life.

Aunt Arlene is strict, has money, and cares about appearances and things being in their place. She is too focused on other people's business and steps in as Mildred's mom when her actual mom passes away. She doesn't think anything of saying her mind.

Jacob is Mildred's best friend. He is teaching her how to play chess. He doesn't mind that she is focused on growing a big pumpkin and helps when he can.