A major middle-grade graphic novel series that follows the adventures of an ordinary kid in a world where superheroes are common, who has to call upon his power of common sense to save the day when the rest of the school becomes obsessed with a game that might be more sinister than it first appears.
LEON THE EXTRAORDINARY #1
by Jamar Nicholas
Scholastic, Spring 2022
In Leon’s world, superheroes are common as teachers or dentists—at Leon’s school, they come to Career Day alongside comic book artists and chefs! But being a superhero is anything but ordinary for kids like Leon, without powers. Surprise ambushes from villains can ruin a school trip, and superhero kids have a pretty unfair advantage in gym class. Though Leon’s keen common sense is practically a power unto itself, it’s not always effective against super-bullies… Until kids at school suddenly become obsessed with a new game. Even some of the super-kids seem trapped by flashing lights on their phone. As Leon swings into action, figuring out what’s taking over the school and his town, his common sense – and a few secrets he’ll discover hiding in plain sight – may become more powerful than he ever imagined.
Jamar Nicholas is an award-winning artist and educator, who dedicates his career to helping young people realize the power of visual narrative. Jamar aims to bring awareness to anti-bullying, healing, and positive images of people of color with the idea that everyone can be a hero. He is a columnist for DRAW! and hosts the Pencil To Pencil Podcast with industry legends Mike Manley and Bret Blevins.
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