Leon the Extraordinary: A Graphic Novel (Leon #1) - by Jamar Nicholas

About the Book

"Leon is an ordinary kid who becomes extraordinary when he fights a supervillain to save his school! In the city where Leon lives, superheroes--and supervillains--are commonplace. So how does an ordinary kid like Leon, who has no superpowers himself, become the superhero he wants to be? When all his classmates suddenly become obsessed with a new phone app that turns them into zombies, Leon gets his chance to prove that using his brain and following his heart can save the day"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Leon is an ordinary kid who becomes extraordinary when he fights a supervillain to save his school!

"Leon is a superhero, whose powers are kindness and common sense. It's a really good book about a really good kid!" -- Jerry Craft, author and illustrator of New Kid

"A heartfelt and hilarious hero's journey. LEON is super!" -- Lincoln Peirce, author and illustrator of Big Nate

In the city where Leon lives, superheroes -- and supervillains -- are commonplace. So how does an ordinary kid like Leon, who has no superpowers himself, become the superhero he wants to be? When all his classmates suddenly become obsessed with a new phone app that turns them into zombies, Leon gets his chance to prove that using his brain and following his heart can save the day.

Equal parts New Kid and The Incredibles, the first graphic novel in this action-packed, heartfelt, and joyously funny series by Jamar Nicholas reminds readers that when it comes to being a hero, you just need to believe in yourself.

Review Quotes

A Junior Library Guild Selection

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year

A Common Sense Selection by Common Sense Media

★ "Nicholas's innovative tale, brimming with fully fleshed out characters and bombastic battle sequences, is one to revisit again and again." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This is a silly and fun-filled story with a heartwarming throughline about not needing special abilities to have an impact on one's community... A solid, action-filled comedy with a crucial message." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Jamar Nicholas delivers an engaging story about finding your own power... an uplifting read." -- Book Riot

"It's a refreshing change of pace to have a kid hero who's Black at the center of the story. Supersize panels with bold coloring truly make the stylized character designs pop and the action sequences come to life with plenty of classic superhero action. The various body types and skin tones represented in the artwork underscore the narrative that anyone can be a hero." -- Booklist

"Nicholas crafts a heartfelt story highlighting the power of doing the right thing and the strength of mothers... The range of diverse characters and relatable situations, such as bullying, jealousy, and personal growth, will provide readers with recognizable characters and feelings... Belonging on library shelves, this book will leave readers wanting more from Leon and his crew." -- School Library Journal

"Hand this to your graphic novel loving readers who need to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, or who just want a fun, well-written, well-drawn superheroes vs. villains story. The text also celebrates a young Black main character, the love of a mother, the strength of community, and the friends surrounding Leon every day." -- School Library Connection

About the Author

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jamar Nicholas is an award-winning artist and educator who has dedicated his career to helping young people realize the power of cartooning. Jamar aims to promote anti-bullying, healing, and kindness in his work. He enjoys the 1980s, podcasting, video games, and spending time with his family and pets.