People being different from society's approved behavior is a common theme in many of Kerr's books; normally she portrays such individualistic figures as gentle and sympathetic characters who are different either physically or emotionally, but who are trying to fit into the mainstream of society. In Night Kites the stakes of being different appear high. Those who dare to be different appear to have no responsibility toward others; in focusing on understanding themselves, the characters thoughtlessly hurt and confuse others around them. In the novel, there are two types of characters: those who dare to be different and unconventional, and those who seem dull and boring, yet comfortable. The dare-to-be-different characters are Pete, Nicki, and Mrs. Rudd, while the dull and boring are Jack, Dill, and Mr. Rudd. Erick walks the fence. He seems like his brother Pete, yet he really is not; he...