The Feminist Know-It-All: You know her. You can’t stand her. Good thing she’s not here! Instead, this column by gender and women’s studies librarian Karla Strand will amplify stories of the creation, access, use and preservation of knowledge by women and girls around the world; share innovative projects and initiatives that focus on information, literacies, libraries and more; and, of course, talk about all of the books.
Hello, feminist reader friends! Each month, I provide Ms. readers with a list of new books being published by writers from historically excluded groups. The aims of these lists are threefold:
- I want to do my part in the disruption of what has been the acceptable “norm” in the book world for far too long—white, cis, heterosexual, male;
- I want to amplify indie publishers and amazing works by writers who are women, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, APIA/AAPI, international, queer, trans, nonbinary, disabled, fat, immigrant, Muslim, neurodivergent, sex-positive or of other historically marginalized identities—you know, the rest of us; and
- I want to challenge and encourage you all to buy, borrow and read them!
This spring, I’ve been thinking a lot about science.
I’ve never been very science- or math-minded, so it’s been a surprise to find myself so interested in learning more about biology, chemistry and even physics. I took chemistry in high school, but I think it’s fair to say I barely scraped by and most of it didn’t “stick.”
For the last few months, I’ve been taking in a lot of (reputable, educated) science content on YouTube and reading some introductory books, like Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time, for the first time.
So, it’s been really exciting to see several new books by women of color this year focused on physics, chemistry and cosmology. We’ve focused on several in this column so far—two are included this month—and I will tell you why I find this so important.
With so many attacks on education and intellectualism in recent years, it’s imperative that we keep our minds engaged and active. Not only is keeping up with current events important, but so is opening your mind to any new information that may be challenging or uncomfortable. This could be any factual, evidence-based topic from math or engineering to history or sociology. It could also be arts-based learning, so pick up that paintbrush or saxophone and sign up for a class. No matter what you choose, learning is vital to our health as individuals, communities and civic societies.
Learning about science keeps me on my toes. It offers me the friction I need to stay sharp, skeptical and thinking critically. It provides me with new lenses for understanding and allows me to interact with the world in beneficial ways. So whether or not you pick up the science books on our lists, or you try some poetry or a new-to-you genre of fiction, I hope you find something here that’s both exciting and educational.
A Brief History of the Universe (And Our Place in It)
By Dr. Sarah Alam Malik. William Morrow. Out May 5.
In this informative and engaging book, award-winning particle physicist Dr. Sarah Alam Malik offers an accessible exploration of the history of the cosmos and how human curiosity continues to shape our present and future.
*
Honey: A Novel
By Imani Thompson. Random House. Out May 5.
Deliciously smart and darkly funny, this debut novel blends sociological theory and unbridled feminist rage. Yrsa, a Cambridge student, goes on a killing spree, murdering sexist men as part of her PhD research and exploring the connections between power, rage, desire and violence.
*
The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them)
By Atima Omara. Harper. Out May 5.
Political strategist Atima Omara makes the powerful case that young Black women, as Instigators, have historically been the ones to initiate just and necessary change in hard times. It’s their dedication, ingenuity, political strategy and sheer will that will lead us to the truly liberatory world so many of us envision for our futures.
*
The Library of Flowers
By L.C. Chu. Sourcebooks Landmark. Out May 5.
Navigating themes of heritage and history with a splash of magic, this touching novel follows Lucy Hua as she resists and reconnects with her family’s legacy and her role as the eldest daughter. Paired with a lively set of supporting characters and a lens into the world of perfumery, L.C. Chu crafts an emotional and compelling tale.
*
Turn (W)here: A Geography of Home
By Chet’la Sebree. The Dial Press. Out May 5.
This is a remarkable and unique collection of essays exploring home, genealogies, family and legacy. In her signature poetic voice, Chet’la Sebree offers historical research, personal reflections and thoughtful questions, challenging readers to explore their own roots, truths and futures.
*
Farewell Tangier
Written by Salma El Moumni. Translated by Lynn E. Palermo. Seagull Books. Out May 6.
After a young woman’s private photos of herself are unknowingly shared online, she flees the oppressive traditional culture of Tangier, Morocco. This debut takes on the male gaze, sexual harassment and the policing of women’s bodies.
*
Electric Shamans at the Festival of the Sun
Written by Monica Ojeda. Translated by Sarah Booker. Coffee House Press. Out May 12.
The latest novel by National Book Award finalist Mónica Ojeda tells the story of two friends who flee their pasts in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to lose themselves at a weeklong festival at the base of an active volcano.
*
Layaway Child: Stories
By Chanel Sutherland. Astoria. Out May 12.
This honest and evocative collection of stories highlights the sweetness of Black girlhood and the challenges and nuances of growing up, colorism, immigration and more. Sutherland’s tenderness doesn’t overlook the real experiences of girls but rather shines a light on their humanity and ubiquity.
*
Loving Black Boys: A Black Feminist Bible on Racism and Revolutionary Mothering
By Tamura Lomax. Duke University Press. Out May 12.
A companion to her 2025 Freeing Black Girls: A Black Feminist Bible on Racism and Revolutionary Mothering, Tamura Lomax’s Loving Black Boys highlights the urgency and importance of Black feminist mothering so that boys may learn, understand and value their vital roles in humanity’s liberation.
*
They Marched Under The Sun: A Novel
Written by Cris Judar. Translated by Lara Norgaard. Fonograf Editions. Out May 12.
This novel follows two young women for the months leading up to their eighteenth birthdays. Seemingly complete opposites, the women face violence, tradition, embodiment, ritual and more.
*
To the Last Gram
Written by Shreya Davies.Illustrated by Vanessa Wong. Difference Engine. Out May 12.
In this honest and empathetic YA graphic novel, Davies and Wong center Divya, a young woman with an eating disorder (ED). From negative body image as a child to extreme dieting in her teen years, Divya learns to manage her ED as she grows up to find fulfillment, acceptance and hope.
*
We Dance Upon Demons
By Vaishnavi Patel. S&S/Saga Press. Out May 12.
If you ever found yourself yearning for a superhero story about a reproductive health care worker, look no further. Balancing elements of fantasy and folklore with depictions of real-life challenges abortion clinics face, this timely novel is courageous and uplifting.
*
Entangled States: A Life According to Quantum Physics
By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan. Beacon Press. Out May 19.
Part memoir, part science lesson, queer millennial physicist Karmela Padavic-Callaghan uses the physics around us to illuminate their life of migration, gender expectations, healing, and more.
*
An Expanse of Blue
By Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams. Heartdrum. Out May 19.
This lovingly written novel-in-verse features a Native Hawaiian girl’s search for truth, belonging, and love amid secrets, lies and loss. Realistic representations of challenging life situations and relationships are among the many reasons this debut will appeal to readers.
*
I Would Die If I Were You: Notes on Art and Truth-Telling
By Emily Rapp Black. Counterpoint. Out May 19.
From disability to devastating loss, Emily Rapp Black has faced experiences that others cannot fathom. In this memoir-guide-craft book, she offers wisdom on the healing power of artmaking.
*
Keeper of My Kin: Memoir of an Immigrant Daughter
By Dr. Ada Ferrer. Scribner. Out May 19.
This masterful memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Ada Ferrer is at once heartbreaking, informative and empowering. Archival research, genealogical documentation and deep historical understanding all inform this poetic narrative from one of our most important historians.
*
On Witness and Respair: Essays
By Jesmyn Ward. Scribner. Out May 19.
At last, a collection of creative nonfiction, essays and speeches by one of the most vibrant voices in contemporary literature. In this dynamic volume, Jesmyn Ward vividly reflects on growing up in the US South, race, motherhood, loss, hope and humanity.
*
Plastic, Prism, Void: Part One
By Violet Allen. LittlePuss Press. Out May 19.
This one defies description! If you are into genre-twisting speculative multidimensional trans mecha romance with a twist of humor and nostalgia, or think you might be, then this one is for you. Singular in content and format, Plastic, Prism, Void is a kaleidoscopic ride you won’t forget.
*
Dead Weight
Written by Hildur Knútsdóttir. Translated by Mary Robinette Kowal. Tor Nightfire. Out May 26.
In Iceland, two women are brought together by a cat. When their unexpected but growing friendship is challenged, they must determine how devoted they are to one another. This is a delightfully gruesome feminist revenge tale for our times.
*
Gospel of Lies
By Promise Backlund. Media Lab Books. Out May 26.
In her first book, agnostic atheist communicator Promise Backlund provides an accessible and empathetic examination of her own deconstruction from evangelical Christianity and provides clear advice for others looking to break free from indoctrination.
*
People Who Live Alone Talk Too Much
By Sofi Stambo. Restless Books. Out May 26.
Winner of the 2024 Kellman Prize for Immigrant Literature, this book originally stood out to me because I live alone and (probably) talk too much. Indeed, this collection of stories is quirky and incandescent, written in a unique voice with unforgettable characters.
*
Pretend You’re Dead and I Carry You: A Novel
By Julián Delgado Lopera. Liveright. Out May 26.
Julián Delgado Lopera’s debut novel, Fiebre Tropical, was a hit, so I was not going to miss his latest life-giving queer Colombian journey. Beautifully written, this coming-of-age story speaks to identity, family, loss, tradition and living your truth.
*
Also releasing this month:
Earthly Playing Field: A Novel
By Radhika Singh. Common Notions. Out May 5.
The Girl with a Thousand Faces
By Sunyi Dean. Tor Books. Out May 5.
A Long and Speaking Silence (The Singing Hills Cycle, 7)
By Nghi Vo. Tordotcom. Out May 5.
(Out) On the Road: The Radical Joy of Queer Travel
By Lindsey Danis. Ig Publishing. Out May 5.
Weathering the Storm: Navigating the Anti-Social Justice Wave
By Tiffany G. Townsend. Broadleaf Books. Out May 5.
Again, Harder
By Alice Stoehr. Amethyst Editions. Out May 12.
Make Me Better: A Novel
By Sarah Gailey. Tor Books. Out May 12.
Men Like Ours: A Novel
By Bindu Bansinath. Bloomsbury Publishing. Out May 12.
Natural Connection: Six Roots of Environmental Wisdom and Action
By Joycelyn Longdon. Princeton University Press. Out May 12.
The Tapestry of Fate: An Amina al-Sirafi Adventure, Book Two
By Shannon Chakraborty. Harper Voyager. Out May 12.
The Body Riddle: A Novel
By Sam K MacKinnon. House of Anansi Press. Out May 19.
Shapes of Love: A Novel
By L.V. Peñalba. Wednesday Books. Out May 19.
From the Clinic to the Streets: Psychoanalysis for Revolutionary Futures
By Lara Sheehi. Pluto Press. Out May 20.
Quinceañeras: Latinidades and Girlhood in Popular Culture
Edited by Jillian M. Báez, Diana Leon-Boys and Angharad Valdivia. University of Illinois Press. Out May 26.
