Maybe An Artist, written and illustrated by Liz Montague. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2022. $33.99 ages 12 and up

 

"My older sisters had Myspace, but I'd never
had any interest in that. As soon as I got home,
though, I checked out Facebook. It was an 
entirely new frontier. 
It was nice being able to meet people 
without actually having to meet them
and know things about them without 
actually having to talk to them."

This graphic memoir begins when Liz Montague, as a working adult, finds herself faced with a blank page and wondering "why do I do this?" Putting herself through day after day of having to come up with something new, interesting, and inspiring can be very hard work. When the same question is put to her by her partner, she must take stock of her journey from 9-year-old girl to full-time artist. 

How did that happen? Her early years at school saw her diagnosed as dyslexic and struggling with academics. Middle school saw her grapple with academics, fitting in, and finding a path. She thought she wanted to be a writer. But other issues weighed heavy on her mind. Her artwork was praised, as was her ability at track. High school was not better. Now, she felt invisible in much bigger school, and came to know some of the pressures that arise when part of a racial minority. What was she to do to make her parents proud, and worthy of their sacrifices for her? A track scholarship to university and classes available there offered an opportunity to take an art class. She had found her calling. At 22, she became on the first Black female cartoonists to be published in the New Yorker. What an accomplishment! 

Told in chapters that focus on each part of her life's journey, this graphic novel is sure to find fans quickly and be passed along to others who will want to read it. Middle and high school readers will identify with some of the descriptions and struggles faced by a young woman of color in a small community. She is both serious and funny when describing so carefully her experiences and emotions. Her artwork holds great appeal for her audience. It is expressive, and placed on a white background, assuring attention is paid fully to the story being told. Hers was a long and winding path to finding success and fulfillment in her life. She tells her story with joy and careful thought that will leave readers pleased to know more about her.