Mia Johnson lost her parents during a home invasion that resulted in their murders. She was the only survivor of the break-in. After that tragic event, Mia spent her life living on the streets or occasionally crashing with friends, feeling as though there was nothing left for her. That changed when she met Lucy, who ultimately saved her life.
Mia's friend group is known for causing trouble both in school and outside of it. Luna lives with a dad who struggles with addiction and alcoholism and is rarely around. Emma and Asher have a mother who struggles to keep a husband. Emma is a kind girl who loves painting; it's her way of expressing herself and showing how she sees the world. Asher enjoys causing trouble and has a strong dislike for the police, so he is not pleased when he finds out that Mia will be staying with a cop. However, he's relieved that she will be off the streets and safe.
Noah and Violet are the only members of the group who have relatively normal lives and nice parents, but they still struggle with trusting people. One thing they all have in common is their ability to manipulate and trick the police. One cop even remarked that the group would make great detectives.