Everfair by Nisi ShawlRead about another entry on the list.
On the surface this is the story of the peoples of Congo escaping the grasp of Leopold II of Belgium and forging the new nation of Everfair. But it’s so much more! Peopled by a vastly diverse cast of characters this deceptively small book spans decades and delves into issues of colonialism, racism, religion, sexism and gender identities. And it does that all while also building a fascinating new age of steam power. This book was everything I’ve ever wanted steampunk to be: nuanced, expansive and so smart, it could teach an entire class on how to do it right!
--Marshal Zeringue