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. I also created the HoopKid® brand and middle-grade book series. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America selected The Hoop Kid from Elmdale Park for 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
Testimonials
"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
"I’m really impressed by all the beaver science woven into the story! I highly recommend it! Fantastic writing, Teko Bernard!"
– Emily Fairfax, PhD
Ecohydrologist, Beaver Dam Enthusiast
"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
– Ben Goldfarb
Author of EAGER
"I’m really impressed by all the beaver science woven into the story! I highly recommend it! Fantastic writing, Teko Bernard!"
– Emily Fairfax, PhD
Ecohydrologist, Beaver Dam Enthusiast
"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
