Books that Challenge the Status Quo

We are a radical bookstore that focuses on centering BIPOC & Queer authors, books, and stories. We pride ourselves on carrying the best selection of indie literature that you won't find anywhere else. Our mission is to elevate historically marginalized voices and offer a welcoming space for everyone. Join us!

Support our mission

Order merch from our Bonfire shop.

100% of the proceeds fund our bookstore brick-and-mortar opening.

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Upcoming Events

Sat, Jun 01
2024 Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade & Festival
Fresno City College
Join Us
Jun 01, 2024, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fresno City College, 1101 E University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741, USA
Join us at the Rainbow Pride Festival where we will have a collection of LGBTQ+ books for readers of all ages!
Sat, Jun 08
Judging by the Cover x LUSH Fresno
LUSH
Join Us
Jun 08, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
LUSH, 645 E Shaw Ave Suite T21, Fresno, CA 93710, USA
Join us at LUSH Fresno where we will have a collection of banned books featured on LUSH's list. Learn more about their commitment to book access here: https://www.lush.com/us/en_us/a/read-banned-books
Tue, Jun 18
Pages & Pints: A Silent Book Club® Event
Fresno
Join Us
Jun 18, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT
Fresno, 745 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721, USA
Join us for a relaxed night of reading and a delicious Tioga-Sequoia brew!
Sat, Oct 12
LitHop Fresno
Location is TBD
Join Us
Oct 12, 2024, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM PDT
Location is TBD
Join us at LitHop 2024

Book diversity by the numbers

Percent of American fiction books published from 1950-2018 were written by white authors

Percent of Americans who are non-white

Percent of all book stores in the US are BIPOC Owned (we're one of them)

Percent of all challenged books are by BIPOC and Queer authors

Meet the Founders

Judging by the Cover: A Bookstore is proudly BIPOC-owned

Co-Founder

Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero

Ashley is a publishing industy professional with over 8 years in the industry as an author, marketing director, sales manager, and non-profit chair. Ashley believes that being exposed to Latine books as a child was an immense privilege and belives that books should be windows, mirrors, and doors that expose folks to all cultures and experiences. Ashley identifies as Queer, Latine, Indigenous, and neurodivergent. (she/her/ella)

Co-Founder

Carlos Mireles-Guerrero

By day, Carlos is a talented graphic designer who creates everything from children's books to small business logos to product packaging for THC brands. He is an artist who dabbles in painting on walls, commissioned and sometimes not. A Fresno native, he firmly believes in giving back to the community that shaped him. Carlos identifies as CIS, Latino, Mexican-American, and neurodivergent.

Follow us on Instagram for updates @judgingbythecover.books

Get in Touch

We want to hear from you! Tell us the books you want to see represented.

jbtcbookstore@gmail.com