Stuff Mom Never Told You: The Feminist Past, Present and Future

Reese and McVey expand on their podcast of the same name in this energetic yet somewhat chaotic illustrated debut history on intersectional feminism. Focusing on notable women of color and covering big picture topics like the civil rights movement and reproductive rights, each chapter begins with an intentionally discouraging “what-if” comic and narrative, describing a world in which milestone achievements had not occurred, then launches into stories of actual progress and the activists who made it happen. Also included in each section are extensive sidebar discussions of inspirational athletes, actors, and fictional characters, such as Star Wars’ Princess Leia and Olympic sprinter Wilma Rudolph; personal journaling by each of the authors; and an activity section that ranges from paper doll cutouts and crosswords to ideas for ongoing activism. Fans of the podcast will find that the authors’ upbeat voices and high energy come through on the page, and readers who like to address political issues through engagement with pop culture and fandom will appreciate the thoughtful connections made here. However, readers more experienced with feminist intersectionality might find this a bit too elementary and jumbled for their taste. This works best for young people new to the topic. (Aug.)