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The Kindness of Color: The Story of Two Families and Mendez, et al. v. Westminster, the 1947 Desegregation of California Public Schools
--- "... a book full to the brim with passion, truth and insight. The lessons you will learn as you turn these pages will help you not only understand the past, but will influence your future." Bob Goff
New York Times Bestselling Author of Love Does , Everybody Always and Dream Big
“Beautifully written, an American story of the courage, patriotism and resilience of two Orange County families.” Honorable Frederick Aquirre
Judge, Superior Court of Orange County (retired) “ The Kindness of Color is a beautifully crafted true and inspiring story of how the cross-cultural cooperation between two oppressed families and communities of color in Orange County, California, during the World War II era, led to a landmark case of public-school desegregation at the state and national levels.” Dr. Art Hansen
Emeritus Professor of History and Asian American Studies,
California State University, Fullerton “This captivating story twists and turns like fiction but all is real, factual, and historical. This will be required reading for all students to grasp the impact and importance of our interwoven history, and serendipitous connections all the while, changing hearts towards kindness.” Tommy Dyo
Asian American Pacific Islander Community Advocate “…the true story of two families behind the Mendez v. Westminster case…Through it all, the unconditional kindness they received from others and returned to others ultimately proved to be a force for healing and change.” Al Mijares, PhD
Orange County Superintendent of Schools “As an Orange County native and daughter of first-generation Indian immigrants, the intertwined stories of the Munemitsu and Mendez families hold a special place in my heart…I loved this book, and I know you will too!” Jasmine Chhabria
National History Day Finalist, 2018 --- A true story of perseverance, unity, and hope, The Kindness of Color follows two immigrant families facing separate battles with racism in WWII-era Southern California. Unexpectedly, their paths intertwine, ultimately paving the way for the landmark court case Mendez, et. al v. Westminster and the desegregation of California public schools seven years before Brown v. Board of Education. In the face of tremendous discrimination, the Mendez and Munemitsu families are sustained by the simple yet harrowing acts of kindness extended to them by friends and strangers as they navigate their difficult journeys toward justice. It is this kindness that encourages their hearts, opens paths to solutions, and creates communities of support—all highlighting the beauty and power of The Kindness of Color .
New York Times Bestselling Author of Love Does , Everybody Always and Dream Big
“Beautifully written, an American story of the courage, patriotism and resilience of two Orange County families.” Honorable Frederick Aquirre
Judge, Superior Court of Orange County (retired) “ The Kindness of Color is a beautifully crafted true and inspiring story of how the cross-cultural cooperation between two oppressed families and communities of color in Orange County, California, during the World War II era, led to a landmark case of public-school desegregation at the state and national levels.” Dr. Art Hansen
Emeritus Professor of History and Asian American Studies,
California State University, Fullerton “This captivating story twists and turns like fiction but all is real, factual, and historical. This will be required reading for all students to grasp the impact and importance of our interwoven history, and serendipitous connections all the while, changing hearts towards kindness.” Tommy Dyo
Asian American Pacific Islander Community Advocate “…the true story of two families behind the Mendez v. Westminster case…Through it all, the unconditional kindness they received from others and returned to others ultimately proved to be a force for healing and change.” Al Mijares, PhD
Orange County Superintendent of Schools “As an Orange County native and daughter of first-generation Indian immigrants, the intertwined stories of the Munemitsu and Mendez families hold a special place in my heart…I loved this book, and I know you will too!” Jasmine Chhabria
National History Day Finalist, 2018 --- A true story of perseverance, unity, and hope, The Kindness of Color follows two immigrant families facing separate battles with racism in WWII-era Southern California. Unexpectedly, their paths intertwine, ultimately paving the way for the landmark court case Mendez, et. al v. Westminster and the desegregation of California public schools seven years before Brown v. Board of Education. In the face of tremendous discrimination, the Mendez and Munemitsu families are sustained by the simple yet harrowing acts of kindness extended to them by friends and strangers as they navigate their difficult journeys toward justice. It is this kindness that encourages their hearts, opens paths to solutions, and creates communities of support—all highlighting the beauty and power of The Kindness of Color .
214 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2021
About the author
Janice Munemitsu
1 book4 followersJanice Munemitsu is a third-generation Japanese American Sansei. A native of Orange County, California, Janice worked on the family farm from age five through high school. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California and Biola University. Her family name, Munemitsu, means source of light in kanji. She is the author of The Kindness of Color - the story of two families and Mendez v. Westminster, the desegregation of California State Schools. Janice hopes this book will be a source of light and hope, and will inspire us all to cultivate increasing kindness towards one another.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 27, 2022
I'm giving myself 5 stars for finishing the writing and making it through the publishing process! I'm a first time author and would welcome your review! Thank YOU!
December 17, 2023
Solid text for middle school reading levels, I think. (I found this as research for another book, Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling, which is meant for younger readers.)
While the writing may not appeal to all adult readers, The Kindness of Color tells the important true story of two families, intertwined during WWII. The Munemitsus were sent to Poston (built on Indigenous land) during the period of Japanese American incarceration; a white ally (their banker) arranged for their farm to be cared for and leased to a Mexican/Puerto Rican American family, the Mendezes. During this time, Sylvia Mendez and her brothers were refused entry to the predominantly white school nearby due to their surname and skin color, despite the fact that their father, Gonzalo, Sr., had previously attended as a child. This led to the Mendez, et al. v. Westminster court case (supported by a Jewish American lawyer), which in itself was a precedent for the Brown v. Board of Education case nearly a decade later. There's a lot more detail and history in this book than what is listed here, but it's an important story that not only details an important lasting friendship, but also describes the many, many communities that were affected and/or united by poor governmental decisions and racism before, during, and after WWII.
Written by Janice, Tad Munemitsu's daughter, who is also a friend of the Mendezes, this book is a quick read with detailed information and research. It's a good augmentation to other books about Japanese American incarceration, and discusses an important but lesser known piece of US history.
While the writing may not appeal to all adult readers, The Kindness of Color tells the important true story of two families, intertwined during WWII. The Munemitsus were sent to Poston (built on Indigenous land) during the period of Japanese American incarceration; a white ally (their banker) arranged for their farm to be cared for and leased to a Mexican/Puerto Rican American family, the Mendezes. During this time, Sylvia Mendez and her brothers were refused entry to the predominantly white school nearby due to their surname and skin color, despite the fact that their father, Gonzalo, Sr., had previously attended as a child. This led to the Mendez, et al. v. Westminster court case (supported by a Jewish American lawyer), which in itself was a precedent for the Brown v. Board of Education case nearly a decade later. There's a lot more detail and history in this book than what is listed here, but it's an important story that not only details an important lasting friendship, but also describes the many, many communities that were affected and/or united by poor governmental decisions and racism before, during, and after WWII.
Written by Janice, Tad Munemitsu's daughter, who is also a friend of the Mendezes, this book is a quick read with detailed information and research. It's a good augmentation to other books about Japanese American incarceration, and discusses an important but lesser known piece of US history.
April 19, 2024
I had no clue about this court case that preceded Brown v Board of Education by 7 years and laid the foundation for the desecration of schools and so much more. If you’ve read the acclaimed middle grade “Sylvia & Ali”, this follows those same families and is written by Aki’s niece. I love how the author added up small acts of kindness that together and over time created massive change.
February 25, 2022
Gives background and understanding of both families and the intertwining of their struggles with racism, systemic and personal.
November 23, 2021
“Kindness is…courage to stand for what is fair and just for all.” “Kindness is…standing up for those being oppressed because we are one human race.”
These expressions of strength and kindness are peppered throughout Janice Munemitsu’s The Kindness of Color. A story of two families - a Japanese American family forcibly incarcerated during WWII and how their circumstances led a Mexican American family to fight for school desegregation in the 1940s. Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez’s unrelenting refusal to accept substandard education for their children resulted in the landmark victory, Mendez et al. v. Westminster. Ms. Munemitsu adeptly describes the historic details of the Japanese incarceration with personal accounts of her family’s experience behind the barb-wired camp of Poston.
Two families of color and their respective challenges unfold flawlessly into a story of courage and perseverance. This book is a must-read for all who want to learn about the WWII incarceration of Japanese Americans as well as to understand the history of Mexican American school segregation in California.
These expressions of strength and kindness are peppered throughout Janice Munemitsu’s The Kindness of Color. A story of two families - a Japanese American family forcibly incarcerated during WWII and how their circumstances led a Mexican American family to fight for school desegregation in the 1940s. Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez’s unrelenting refusal to accept substandard education for their children resulted in the landmark victory, Mendez et al. v. Westminster. Ms. Munemitsu adeptly describes the historic details of the Japanese incarceration with personal accounts of her family’s experience behind the barb-wired camp of Poston.
Two families of color and their respective challenges unfold flawlessly into a story of courage and perseverance. This book is a must-read for all who want to learn about the WWII incarceration of Japanese Americans as well as to understand the history of Mexican American school segregation in California.
October 17, 2021
The Kindness of Color is an example of masterful storytelling. The story captured in this book is a perfect example of how people can triumph over adversity. Racism has always been a part of American history, but is not a topic that is discussed. Janice Munemitsu does an excellent job presenting the facts of the story without adding the tilt of political agenda.
As a yonsei, fourth-generation Japanese-American, this story sheds light on the hardships my grandparents faced. Although my grandparents never talked negatively about the prejudice they endured, it is nice that the story is being told. This is a part of American history and should not be overlooked or forgotten.
This book follows two minority families as they try to make a better life for themselves and their children. Events beyond their control place both families in the face of oppression and through the love an support of the communities around them, are able to overcome and change the landscape of America for good.
As a yonsei, fourth-generation Japanese-American, this story sheds light on the hardships my grandparents faced. Although my grandparents never talked negatively about the prejudice they endured, it is nice that the story is being told. This is a part of American history and should not be overlooked or forgotten.
This book follows two minority families as they try to make a better life for themselves and their children. Events beyond their control place both families in the face of oppression and through the love an support of the communities around them, are able to overcome and change the landscape of America for good.
December 22, 2023
Phenomenal book that you'll become entranced in and just breeze through. Important read for any US Citizen and an important reminder to never take freedom and liberty for granted. Janice is a gifted author and storyteller. It's amazing how the two like-but-different stories are beautifully weaved together.
January 23, 2025
What a beautiful way to tell a story of crisis and trauma and oppression. Janice Munemitsu weaves together this history of her own family’s unjust incarceration during WWII with the Mendez family who leased and preserved her family’s farm, giving them a secure home to return to while simultaneously fighting for educational equality through the landmark case of Mendez et Al v. Westminster. This book details extensive historical and cultural context around the down to earth, personal story of these families. She does not shy away from harsh realities, but she also never lets evil or racism or unkindness or ignorance get the last word. In each moment of darkness, she has eyes to see the helpers, the exceptions, the opportunities for hope, forgiveness, and flourishing that came out of tough soil. This method of storytelling is an incredible model for how we can heal from trauma and be empowered to bring kindness and light into the world. Incredible perspective, story, and educational tool!!
June 14, 2022
This book is a wonderful historical review of so many important issues in American history. The story of the unlikely support of people from two cultures of people who have been discriminated against I. America is important! I would recommend fir history classes to learn about discrimination against Japanese people and the dreadful incarceration of them in WWII and the ongoing didscfimayuo. Again people of Mexican Heritage.
April 10, 2022
A must read for anyone who lives in Southern California or interested in US WWII history. The author does an an amazing job narrating the interwoven stories of the two families and connecting them to other key people and events during the same timeframe. I teared up multiple times as she described the trials each family faced.
June 27, 2022
received as a reading for class.
this reading is very easy to understand and beautifully articulated as the writing was able to evoke the seriousness of the situation for colored peopled in america, while telling a story for two families.
this reading is very easy to understand and beautifully articulated as the writing was able to evoke the seriousness of the situation for colored peopled in america, while telling a story for two families.
April 19, 2026
I read this book because my son will be reading it in one of his classes. I was pleasantly surprised. I learned things I didn’t know. I have even eaten lunch in the Japanese Tea House when I was on jury duty last year… I had no idea it was connected to this story.
November 14, 2022
3.5 a very sweet (maybe too sweet) look at the Mendez and Munemitsu families. The Mendez’s were part of a case to desegregate schools in California.
June 29, 2023
3 stars
July 26, 2023
a great memoir.
October 10, 2025
I gave this 3 stars because it’s written at grade 4-7 level.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews