Staff Picks: Laura Hernandez’s Favorites
Hello fellow readers! My name is Laura Hernandez and I’m an Associate Digital Marketing Manager at Random House Children’s Books. At work I create digital campaigns for our picture books and board books. I read basically every genre and age-range. But my current favorites are diverse picture books, YA dystopias, antiracist books, and sci-fi. I currently live in Brooklyn, NY with my 50+ houseplants and growing hoard of books. When not reading, you can find me galavanting around in search of delicious tacos and ice cream. For all things travel, bookish, social justice, and tortilla making, you can find me on Instagram at @laura_louda & @booklynbites.
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Add to BookshelfKnow My Name
by Chanel Miller
I was completely blown away by Know My Name. I literally read it in January 2020 and knew it would be my favorite read of the year. Her writing is eloquent, compelling, and unflinchingly stunning. I was a little scared to start this book because of the subject matter, but I found her story utterly captivating. Chanel wrote about her trauma in an honest and brutal way, but the book didn’t feel overly heavy or bleak. I admire Chanel so much and wish every single person on the planet would read this book.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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My First Day
by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên
I am legit obsessed with this picture book. The illustrations are mesmerizing and I love the story of this young Vietnamese boy making his journey to school. I’ve read this book multiple times just so I can marvel at the beautiful interiors.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Magic Fish
by Trung Le Nguyen
This book has it all. Fairy tales + coming of age + first generation American + family bonding + queer identity + graphic novel format. It’s all so beautifully woven together in an amazing story of belonging and family roots. Hands down my favorite graphic novel of the year! The illustrations are completely mesmerizing and I recommend it every chance I get.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$23.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Just Mercy (Movie Tie-In Edition)
by Bryan Stevenson
Can I just say that after reading this book, I have an entirely new level of admiration for Bryan Stevenson? If people ask who my personal heroes are, Bryan Stevenson is in my top 3. Hands. Down. Reading his firsthand account and hearing the stories of people trapped in our criminal justice system nearly broke my heart. But it also made me want to change our laws and fight for true justice. His level of compassion and grace for people was astounding and made me want to be better.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
