What are the 3 adjectives you would use to describe your bookstore?

Cozy, Curated, and Inclusive

As a proud woman- and Latina-owned independent bookstore, we’ve created a cozy haven where diversity thrives, curated selections that champion underrepresented voices, and above all, created an inclusive space that’s especially important in today’s climate. It’s a safe refuge for every reader. 

Share a quote from a book or poem that bares your bookstore’s soul.

“We are all born with a box of matches inside us but we can’t strike them all by ourselves.”
— Laura Esquivel, Like Water for Chocolate

Why was your bookstore founded/what role does it play in the community?

I launched Judging By The Cover as a Latina- and woman-owned literary haven, intentionally rooted in San Dimas, to foster a safe space for all, especially during a turbulent political era. Our mission goes beyond books: it’s about connecting neighbors, amplifying marginalized voices, and building solidarity through literature and community events.

Which champion/warrior/wildcat (real or mythological) does your bookstore channel most?

Medusa, reframed. Not as a monster, but as a misunderstood force of protection and power. Like Medusa, we hope our store turns the gaze back on those who would cause harm, standing firm in the face of erasure and shielding those who need a soft place to land.

What makes your bookstore unique?

• We buy based on what our community actually loves, not just what’s trending.
• We prioritize marginalized and local authors, bringing stories to the shelf that deserve a louder spotlight.
• We created not just a bookstore, but a cultural and emotional sanctuary, especially for readers who haven’t always felt like there’s space for them.

What is something that no one knows about your bookstore?

Tucked quietly out of sight is a tiny bottle of Holy Water from my bisabuela. It is a quiet blessing passed down through generations, reminding me of the sacrifice she made by coming to this country. It’s not for show, but it’s there, protecting the space. Rooting it in faith, in legacy, and in love.