Jamar Nicholas spoke of his new book, “Leon The Extraordinary,” a story about a young boy who becomes an anti-bullying superhero.
By Gary Weckselblatt
The creator of a novel highlighting the deeds of a child superhero visited the Sixth Grade Center this week to speak with students about bullying, kindness, and never giving up, all part of his latest enterprise, “Leon The Extraordinary.”
Jamar Nicholas authored the graphic novel, which are similar to comic books but with more complex plots. He described Leon, who’s “been in my head for almost 20 years,” as a “fifth grader and soon-to-be sixth grader” who saves all kids from bullies. “What makes Leon super? He always does the best he can. He makes mistakes but always tries to do the right thing.”
Mr. Nicholas is an award-winning artist and educator from Philadelphia. He attended Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and has taught courses at Arcadia and Drexel universities and Moore College of Art and Design.
He explained to students that he always wanted to be an educator and never gave up on his dream. He asked them to say “Nothing is impossible,” and they responded three times.
“It was a great message for our students and a connection to his dream,” Principal Dr. Jennifer Bubser said. “As Mr. Nicholas described, we want our students to follow their passion and make it come to life.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529- 2028 or [email protected].