Acceptance

Nyle learns early in life the importance of accepting people for who and what they are, despite fearing what others think. Gran's decision to bring Mrs. Trent and Ezra to their home when they are down and out with no home, no money and no family is contrary to popular opinion. Most people are afraid that the Trents carry radiation on them, and because of that, people reject them.

The children at school do not accept Muncie for who she is either. Muncie's legs are short and malformed, and her respiratory system is weak, too. Despite these problems, Muncie is strong physically and strong willed. When the kids and even adults tease her, Muncie stands her ground.

Nyle withholds information about Ezra from Muncie because Nyle is afraid that Muncie will not accept him, for fear of the radiation. When confronted with the secret, Muncie is appalled that...