Maybe An Artist: A Graphic Memoir

Liz Montague recounts her childhood and teen years as a Black girl navigating the American school system while living with dyslexia. The narrative follows her through various interests, from track to journalism, eventually landing on the realization that her unique way of seeing the world is a gift for art and cartooning. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with learning disabilities and the systemic frustration of being a student who doesn't fit the mold. It touches on identity and race in a grounded, secular, and realistic way. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in hard work and self-advocacy. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with the heavy weight of academic shame and the feeling of being 'behind.' It transitions into a journey of discovery and experimentation, building toward a triumphant and confident conclusion as she finds professional success. IDEAL READER: A middle or high schooler who feels defined by their learning differences or feels they are failing because they don't excel in a traditional classroom setting. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child hiding their schoolwork, expressing deep frustration with reading, or stating that they aren't 'smart.' PARENT PREP: The book can be read cold. Parents might want to discuss the moments where Liz feels misunderstood by teachers to help their own child articulate similar feelings. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will relate to the social pressures and school struggles, while older teens will find inspiration in her professional trajectory and her specific journey as a Black woman in a competitive creative field. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many memoirs about disability that focus on 'curing' or overcoming, Montague focuses on adaptation and the specific visual strengths that come with dyslexia, making it a celebration of neurodiversity.