Author Naito has composed a vibrant treatise centered on issues of race and skin color and their potential effects on social behaviors, feelings, and legal issues. The setting for his artfully constructed work is Hawaii, where Naito was raised, noting that it is a state with a low number of hate crimes, providing a melting pot where people of all heritages live “in peace and harmony.” The spokesperson for his salient points is the title’s Princess Liliokalani, who initiates the book’s themes by asking, “What does racism mean to you?” Is it, she questions, based on skin color (a thin layer that some people try to darken for greater beauty), dress styles, languages, foods, or other superficial elements?

The princess reminds readers of the treatment of Japanese American immigrants during World War II, making them a hated group, though many of them fought for America and had moved there to contribute their talents and skills to its culture and economy. There is stress made as well on the prejudicial treatment of Blacks and others, bullying, cyberbullying, and the legality in some states of concealed weapons.

Naito is a highly qualified, internationally lauded, distinguished authority in the realms of chemistry and physiology and a third-generation Japanese American whose research regarding heart disease provided the basis for this remarkable book. He offers readers global data and history melded with simple, thought-provoking questions and declarations. He targets a wide range of readership, most especially dedicated to “all children who seek a peaceful and safe life.” Brightly illustrated page by page with colorful contemporary and some black and white historical photographs, his book will offer insight to an international audience. By studying, discussing, and contemplating Naito’s forceful work, positive influences can be brought to bear and ameliorative changes made.

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