May 2026 Reads for the Rest of Us

Each month, Ms. provides readers with a list of new books being published by writers from historically excluded groups. 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 educati...

By Roxanne Szal May 1, 2026 1 min read

Why this matters

The monthly publication of new books by writers from historically excluded groups highlights the ongoing need for diverse perspectives in literature. This effort to promote underrepresented voices can help to amplify marginalized stories and experiences, including those related to reproductive rights and gender equity. By showcasing a range of genres, from science to poetry to fiction, the list encourages readers to explore different topics and themes. The inclusion of feminist books, in particular, can provide readers with a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that affect women's lives, such as access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. As the national conversation around reproductive rights continues to evolve, the promotion of diverse literary voices can play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and advocating for gender equity. Readers can find support and resources on these issues through organizations like the National Abortion Federation and the Repro Legal Helpline.

About this coverage

Her Choice is AI-assisted and human-supervised: every story is summarized from and links to the original publisher's reporting, with local context added for our readers by our Texas-based editorial team. We do not republish full articles — we link back to the source, summarize key facts, link to the source, and add the local or topical relevance that our audience needs. Our editorial standards and corrections policy are public: see herchoice.org/editorial-standards.

About Her Choice

Her Choice is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover reproductive rights, women's healthcare, abortion access, contraception. This publication is self-funded by its founders.

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May 2026 Reads for the Rest of Us

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