A Junior Library Guild Selection
"This action-packed graphic novel is inclusive, relatable, and heartwarming... Both protagonists experience personal growth and discover strategies to become their best selves. The illustrations vividly capture the adventures and tone of each scene." — School Library Journal
"An appealing blend of action and personal growth that will set readers up to anticipate the next series entry." — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Leon the Extraordinary:
"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
★ "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
2024-08-30
A would-be crime fighter discovers that swagger is not a superpower—just the opposite, in fact.
Eager to get on with his one-kid crusade against bullies, which began in the series opener,Leon the Extraordinary (2022), Black fifth grader Leon irritates his racially diverse schoolmates with big-headed boasts and trash talk: “What’s up, civilians!…Your hero is here!” He also gets on Principal Principle’s bad side (“One moment you’re protecting people from danger, and the next dayyou are the danger”) by instigating confrontations with the Tardy Boys and other menacing elements. Leon even alienates best friend Carlos with his attitude. Meanwhile, a reality TV show crew, who are filming at the posh home of volatile hall monitor and shape-shifter Clementine, turns out to have a secret and nefarious agenda. Suddenly, Leon’s mom and other superheroes are in serious danger. Both storylines rush along in big, bright, action-filled panels. This sequel finishes abruptly with a sudden cliffhanger, but feuding preteens Leon and Carlos make their peace after sharing valuable insights for readers to reflect on about sticking with friends and making good, sensible choices.
An appealing blend of action and personal growth that will set readers up to anticipate the next series entry.(Graphic adventure. 8-11)
10/01/2024
Gr 3–8—Leon is back and ready to fight elementary school crime in this new installment of Nicholas's graphic novel series focused on life as a fifth grade superhero. With the principal at his heels, Leon goes to great lengths to fight the bullies at recess. Leon's inflated sense of self-assurance results in him taking his pledge to defend his peers too seriously, overlooking the potential consequences for himself and others. While he's figuring out how to make amends for those he has hurt, he forges a friendship with Clementine, the daughter of two fame-obsessed superheroes. Readers follow Clementine's experiences as her parents force her to be on a reality show. This action-packed graphic novel is inclusive, relatable, and heartwarming. It serves as a reminder that despite apparent differences, people are not so different from one another. Both protagonists experience personal growth and discover strategies to become their best selves. The illustrations vividly capture the adventures and tone of each scene. The varying panel shapes and sizes will keep readers engaged and connected with the dialogue on each spread. The diversity of the families and characters provide relatable experiences for a wide audience. VERDICT This graphic novel is great for fans of adventure and can be read as a stand-alone title.—Angie Jameson
