Restoried Bookshop is an independent bookstore in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. We are an Asian American, family-owned bookseller. Our mission is to build a more interconnected and empowered community –rooted in history, embracing creativity, and dedicated to solidarity– by amplifying the stories of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) alongside other communities of color through the love of reading. For us, when we talk about AANHPI communities, we are talking about folks who trace their roots back to anywhere from Hawai’i to Palestine.
As an Asian American bookseller, we know that it can be a challenge for AANHPI folks to find their stories and histories on the shelves. We’re working to fix that.
Restoried Bookshop, founded in 2024, has grown from a seed cultivated among a group of friends organizing for immigrant rights since 2010. The idea grew and took on many shapes over the years, providing a space to dream together. At its heart was a desire to ensure that our communities had access to our stories and histories as well as a space to build together. While the group found our callings in varied paths, Justin found his in bringing this space to life (with the group’s blessing and support, of course 💛💚).
We are expanding access to underrepresented narratives, diversifying reading lists, and creating connection and joy for readers of all ages. Whether you’re in the mood to read some history you didn’t learn in school, an engrossing fantasy adventure, page-turning graphic novels, or something for the kids- we’ve got something for you!
About Us
Yep. That’s me. I bet you’re wondering how I ended up here.
Justin Valas is a third-generation Japanese American who grew up hungrily reading as many books, and comic books, as he could get his hands on. With a steady diet of Star Trek and Reading Rainbow, it’s not too surprising that this is where he ended up.
After graduating from Knox College, he spent years organizing with communities and working to change public policy to advance racial, economic, and immigrant justice. He has seen the power of uplifting stories- whether through teaching community-based Asian American history workshops, fighting for immigrant rights, or helping to make Illinois the first state in the nation to require the teaching of Asian American history in public schools via the TEAACH Act. Through it all, Justin worked to share the stories of Asian Americans and listen to the stories of other communities.
As the Founder & Proprietor of Restoried Bookshop, he works to cultivate a space that celebrates stories, brings communities together, and hopefully build something his kids can be proud of.