Author and illustrator Liz Montague visited with Gladwyne fourth graders on Friday, April 5, 2024, to discuss her book, School of Unusual Magic.

The book takes place at the Brooklyn School of Magic, where students must pass a difficult test to move up to the middle grades. The students face different challenges as they approach the test, but it turns out the test may not be the hardest obstacle they, and their friendships, need to overcome. 

Montague shared personal stories of overcoming challenges, including living with dyslexia and being a left-handed illustrator. 

Montague grew up in the Delaware Valley and currently lives in Philadelphia. She has worked as an illustrator for The New Yorker and is the author-illustrator of the graphic novel Maybe an Artist, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award; the picture book Jackie Ormes Draws the Future; and the middle grade series Magic for Beginners.

She answered many questions from the students and even demonstrated her illustration technique.

For a photos from the author visit, please click through the slide show below.