About Me
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When a college basketball injury cut short my playing career, I found a new way forward through creativity. Raised in Hutchinson, Kansas—a basketball town where I developed my fierce love for the game—I'm now an award-winning independent children's author and graphic designer based in the Kansas City metro, with over 25 years of experience creating brand marketing and design for clients like ESPN, X Games, NAIA, and NABC. Since 2013, I've been crafting stories that inspire kids to love reading and discover confidence.
My works include Bernard Jones Is Going Places and Bronson Beaver Builds a Robot (Mom's Choice Awards Gold), both featuring fast-paced, character-driven plots that captivate young readers. My latest middle-grade novel, Bernard's Big Leap, earned top honors at the 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, taking First Place for Humor alongside a Middle Grade Honorable Mention. I also created the HoopKid® brand and middle-grade book series. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America selected The Hoop Kid from Elmdale Parkfor their 2015 "Big Game: Dribble, Pass, Read" literacy pilot. In 2023, I was honored as the Mike English Spotlight Author (Winter) for my engaging storytelling and commitment to inspiring young readers.
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My Books
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Book 2 coming soon! |
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Learn more about my books at: hoopkid.com
Book Reviews
Teko Bernard (Bronson Beaver Builds a Robot) may provide his audacious 13-year-old protagonist with a shortcut to basketball glory, but in this dynamic middle-grade adventure, Bernard Jones also gets a valuable lesson in playing the long game. Bernard's constant companion—G5, a high-tech training basketball he ordered from Sketchy-Tech dot com—has gradually become his wisecracking and encouraging friend. So, when the same site offers the Hyper-Hops, "sneakers that would have you jumping out of the gym," the five-foot-three-inch teen thinks he's found the ideal way to make his mark at the Elmdale Park basketball court.
Of course, as in all great middle-grade offerings, Bernard's plans quickly go awry, promising plenty of lively hijinks and some fitting adolescent angst. Though he plans to use the Hyper-Hops to dunk on his rival, the bullying D.K. Hawkins, the shoes malfunction right out of the gate—sending Bernard, quite literally, soaring above his teammates. Embarrassed and disappointed, he ditches the sneakers in a locker, only to discover later that they've gone missing. To track them down—and hopefully salvage what's left of his confidence—Bernard embarks on an epic recovery quest, encountering compassionate adults who pepper him with motivational insight along the way.
The author's blend of relatable conflict, supportive mentors, and witty repartee between Bernard and G5 (who, in one comical scene, relays his dream of being "a giant doughnut" to his human pal) makes Bernard's Big Leap approachable and engaging. Important life lessons abound, like jazz musician Sonny Williams, who describes how he perfected his signature saxophone sound: "You've gotta trust that what you bring to the table—your unique style, your instincts—that's what'll set you apart." Bernard takes that advice to heart, eventually realizing that he doesn't need gimmicky gadgets to achieve his dreams—just some hard work, dedication, and the passion to keep playing, one day at a time.
- BookLife (Publishers Weekly)
As a mother who raised two sons into grown men, this book hit home in a real way.
Bernard’s Big Leap isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder of what we try to teach our children every day: that hard work matters, choices have consequences, and there are no real shortcuts to success. I appreciated how it didn’t sugarcoat the journey, but still showed the value of growth, accountability, and doing things the right way. There were moments I found myself laughing out loud, reminiscing about the kind of playful trash talk and life lessons that come with raising boys—it felt familiar and genuine. What I respect most is the underlying message: trust the process, lean on your faith, and stay grounded in your values, even when the easy way out looks tempting. This is a great read not just for young people, but for parents too. It opens the door for real conversations—the kind that stick.
– Amazon Review
"A stellar book! I’m really impressed by all the beaver science woven into the story! I highly recommend it! Fantastic writing, Teko Bernard!"
– Emily Fairfax, PhD
– Dr. Emily Fairfax, PhD, Ecohydrologist, Pixar Hoppers Beaver-Science Consultant
"Beavers are nature's most ingenious engineers, and the teenage hero of Bronson Beaver Builds a Robot might be the most inventive beaver of all. Thanks to author Teko Bernard for introducing a generation of young readers to these ingenious and vitally important ecosystem architects!"
– Ben Goldfarb
Author of EAGER
"This furry family tale will likely become a favorite of young readers, while the positive message should have parents cheering for more."
– US Review of Books (Recommended Rating)
"This fast-paced novel, focusing on a young inventor and his dueling responsibilities,
is perfect for middle-grade readers interested in robot fun."
– BookLife Reviews
"Bernard has a talent for descriptive and noteworthy characterizations. Bronson is an authentic and appealing protagonist…whose deep interest in inventing and experimenting will draw readers’ attention. The conflict between pursuing a passion and doing one’s duty is handled in a unique way,
and the story as a whole works, with a coherent plot and a satisfying outcome. ”
— Kirkus Reviews
Of course, as in all great middle-grade offerings, Bernard's plans quickly go awry, promising plenty of lively hijinks and some fitting adolescent angst. Though he plans to use the Hyper-Hops to dunk on his rival, the bullying D.K. Hawkins, the shoes malfunction right out of the gate—sending Bernard, quite literally, soaring above his teammates. Embarrassed and disappointed, he ditches the sneakers in a locker, only to discover later that they've gone missing. To track them down—and hopefully salvage what's left of his confidence—Bernard embarks on an epic recovery quest, encountering compassionate adults who pepper him with motivational insight along the way.
The author's blend of relatable conflict, supportive mentors, and witty repartee between Bernard and G5 (who, in one comical scene, relays his dream of being "a giant doughnut" to his human pal) makes Bernard's Big Leap approachable and engaging. Important life lessons abound, like jazz musician Sonny Williams, who describes how he perfected his signature saxophone sound: "You've gotta trust that what you bring to the table—your unique style, your instincts—that's what'll set you apart." Bernard takes that advice to heart, eventually realizing that he doesn't need gimmicky gadgets to achieve his dreams—just some hard work, dedication, and the passion to keep playing, one day at a time.
- BookLife (Publishers Weekly)
As a mother who raised two sons into grown men, this book hit home in a real way.
Bernard’s Big Leap isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder of what we try to teach our children every day: that hard work matters, choices have consequences, and there are no real shortcuts to success. I appreciated how it didn’t sugarcoat the journey, but still showed the value of growth, accountability, and doing things the right way. There were moments I found myself laughing out loud, reminiscing about the kind of playful trash talk and life lessons that come with raising boys—it felt familiar and genuine. What I respect most is the underlying message: trust the process, lean on your faith, and stay grounded in your values, even when the easy way out looks tempting. This is a great read not just for young people, but for parents too. It opens the door for real conversations—the kind that stick.
– Amazon Review
"A stellar book! I’m really impressed by all the beaver science woven into the story! I highly recommend it! Fantastic writing, Teko Bernard!"
– Emily Fairfax, PhD
– Dr. Emily Fairfax, PhD, Ecohydrologist, Pixar Hoppers Beaver-Science Consultant
"Beavers are nature's most ingenious engineers, and the teenage hero of Bronson Beaver Builds a Robot might be the most inventive beaver of all. Thanks to author Teko Bernard for introducing a generation of young readers to these ingenious and vitally important ecosystem architects!"
– Ben Goldfarb
Author of EAGER
"This furry family tale will likely become a favorite of young readers, while the positive message should have parents cheering for more."
– US Review of Books (Recommended Rating)
"This fast-paced novel, focusing on a young inventor and his dueling responsibilities,
is perfect for middle-grade readers interested in robot fun."
– BookLife Reviews
"Bernard has a talent for descriptive and noteworthy characterizations. Bronson is an authentic and appealing protagonist…whose deep interest in inventing and experimenting will draw readers’ attention. The conflict between pursuing a passion and doing one’s duty is handled in a unique way,
and the story as a whole works, with a coherent plot and a satisfying outcome. ”
— Kirkus Reviews
