The events of Homesick are viewed through the eyes of Jean Guttery, who is twelve years old when the action begins. Independent, thoughtful, imaginative, and willing to stand up for what she believes, Jean gradually learns to respect opposing points of view.

Andrea Hull, the daughter of another missionary, is Jean's best friend. A few years older and far more sophisticated than Jean, she understands hair styles, popular dances, fashion, and boys. Jean admires and even envies Andrea's worldliness. The Hulls have an adopted son, David, who longs to discover his real parents.

Jean's father, Arthur, works as a missionary for the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). A quiet, caring person, he sends his family away from Hankow when the fighting becomes dangerous but stays behind to help care for the victims of war. A natural storyteller, he delights in reciting tales of the...