Society, for whatever reason, struggles with acceptance of people who are different. Young people hesitate to reveal things about themselves that might make them stand out among their peers—things like ethnicity, unusual family members, economic disadvantages, diseases, illnesses, or other qualities or activities that make them unique. They want to be accepted and liked by others and to be like others.

Nick experiences some of these same struggles in The Keeper.

Naylor is sensitive to the feelings of young people and shows respect for their individuality. When Nick "explodes" about halfway through the narrative, he begins using the euphemism, "Jeez," a mild expostulation which some might think is taking God's name in vain, but which is just a natural response to his anger and frustration.