Teko Bernard

After an injury ended his college basketball career, Teko Bernard forged a new path through creativity. Based in the Kansas City metro, he writes award-winning children's books and brings 25+ years of brand marketing and design expertise, with past clients including ESPN, X Games, NCAA, and NABC.

Since 2013, he has crafted fast-paced, character-driven stories for kids ages 8–12. His books include Bernard Jones Is Going Places, Bronson Beaver Builds a Robot (Mom's Choice Awards Gold), and his latest, Bernard's Big Leap — a basketball story for kids battling self-doubt.

Teko created the HoopKid brand and book series. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America selected The Hoop Kid from Elmdale Park for their 2015 literacy pilot, and in 2023 he earned the Mike English Spotlight Author award.

He promotes reading through school visits, puppetry, and the Hoop Kid Basketball Book Party. Teko is a member of IBPA and SCBWI.