As with much of Yep's fiction, Kind Hearts and Gentle Monsters explores the theme of the outsider and develops Yep's concern with the need for human understanding and tolerance. The author's Chinese-American heritage seems to have brought him into sympathy and understanding with the lives of those who find themselves excluded not only because of ethnic background but for other reasons as well. Although most of Yep's fiction is noted for featuring Asian-American characters, Kind Hearts and Gentle Monsters presents a cast of Caucasian characters, one of whom in particular is seen as an "oddball" and hence an outsider.

Chris Pomeroy is a high school sophomore with a reputation for being outrageous in her behavior. She has "a regular chainsaw for a tongue" and tends to deal with others by using her usually sarcastic sense of humor. Because of her vocal and nonconforming manner...