Night Kites has some aspects which may be of concern to some readers or parents. There is a pending death of a likeable character; there is bigotry and insensitivity toward homosexuals; there are possibly loose morals and questionable values.

Kerr deals realistically with the issue of prejudice against gays. Charlie Gilhooley is cruelly beaten, allegedly for making a pass at a straight male, although it is more likely that he is beaten simply because he looks gay. Nick's father and the motel manager Toledo will not serve people they think are gay, nor permit gays to stay at the motel. Jack tells gay jokes, not realizing that such jokes slander Pete, whom he likes, and hurt Erick. Even Mrs. Rudd, the sensitive and usually understanding mother of Pete and Erick, considers the gay lifestyle "sordid", although she manages to conceal her distaste from Pete.

The dilemma...