Elevate Literacy and Fun with Hoop Kid’s Basketball Book Party Program!

Experience the synergy of basketball and literacy with Hoop Kid’s unique program. Our engaging program promotes reading and enhances physical activity, captivating children with every exciting session.

Interactive Learning for Lasting Impact

Transform reading into a GAME! The Basketball Book Party program turns classrooms and gyms into courts of learning with interactive activities like basketball challenges, creative arts, and engaging quizzes, ensuring every child stays eager and involved.

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  • Read

    Students will have a chance to participate in engaging reading activities and quizzes based on core curriculum standards.

  • Play

    Students will enjoy breaking a sweat during our beat-the-clock basketball games that anyone can play!

  • Create

    Students will have the opportunity to get creative with art projects that will get them drawing, coloring, writing and designing.

Why the Basketball Book Party Program is a Win-Win!

Discover how entertaining books and engaging programs can drive positive youth development and community enrichment through a shared passion for basketball and literacy.

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Enhanced Learning
Improve reading skills and comprehension through captivating narratives and educational activities that align with curriculum standards.
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Health and Wellness
Promote active lifestyles from a young age with integrated basketball activities, addressing concerns about sedentary behavior.
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Empowerment
Inspire confidence and resilience in children with stories of perseverance and achievement.
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Support for Educators
Access comprehensive resources including teacher’s guides, activity stations, and personalized marketing materials to facilitate seamless event planning.
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Holistic Development
Nurture intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being to prepare children for success in academics and life.
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Community-Driven
Promotes community engagement, urging schools to champion literacy and fitness.

What's included?

Educational Materials: 12 copies of Bernard's Big Leap, a free complete discussion guide, and curriculum-aligned activities.

Engaging Activities: Basketball games, reading worksheets, writing prompts, art projects, and more.

Measurement Tools: Pre- and post-event assessments and parent feedback surveys to track impact and gather insights.

Supportive Resources: Customized marketing materials, activity station signs, participant cards, and certificates of achievement.

A Slam Dunk of Courage and Self-Confidence!

Bernard's Big Leap, the centerpiece of our program, is more than a basketball story. It's a high-energy middle-grade adventure set in a richly imagined city landscape — buses, streetcars, jazz spots, and blacktop courts — where the city itself is a character. Bernard is a kid figuring out who he is, fighting self-doubt, and learning that real strength comes from within. Packed with basketball culture, humor, and heart, this book teaches kids the values of self-confidence, courage, resilience, and community — and it hooks even the most reluctant readers. Written by KC metro author Teko Bernard, this story was made for kids who see their world in these pages.

Praise for Bernard's Big Leap

  • ★★★★★ Editorial Review
    "A Dynamic Middle-grade Adventure!"
    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) makesBernard's Big Leapapproachable 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)

  • ★★★★★ (Kirkus Editor)
    "Great Read for Kiddos"
    The story was a believable adventure told in a warm, lighthearted style... Authentic basketball training and interactions, with nothing preachy or sanctimonious. The lessons are perfectly pitched for the age group, and Bernard’s respect for elders is a nice touch. Well-organized chapters, logical plot, and great pacing... I was very entertained—despite not being the target audience.

    – Kirkus Editor

  • ★★★★★ (Amazon)
    "Slam Dunk Story!"
    I laughed out loud more than once… This is a fun, meaningful read that opens the door for good conversations between parents and kids.

    — Early Reader

  • ★★★★★ (Amazon)
    "A Great Story!"
    The basketball trash talk felt so real and familiar.

    — Mother of Two Sons

  • ★★★★★ (Amazon)
    "A Middle-School Gem!"
    This book delivers solid life lessons.

    – Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

The program promotes active learning, enhances reading comprehension, and encourages creativity and physical fitness from a young age.

We provide comprehensive support, including downloadable resources such as the Classroom Guide & Integration Plan, Book Party Event Guide, Event Game Plan, activity station resources, and marketing materials to facilitate seamless implementation.

We combine engaging storytelling with basketball-themed activities and challenges to promote both reading skills and physical activity.

The program is designed for elementary school-aged children, typically ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade.

Yes, we provide pre- and post-event assessments, as well as parent feedback surveys, to measure program effectiveness and gather insights.

We actively encourage schools to engage with local community organizations and businesses to enhance the impact of our program. This includes collaborative events, sponsorships, and community outreach activities that extend the benefits of literacy and fitness beyond school walls.

Our curriculum-aligned activities are designed to meet common core literacy standards, ensuring relevance and educational value.

Yes, we offer discounts such as early bird, nonprofit, and volume discounts to maximize your budget and support educational goals.

Join the Hoop Kid Community Today!

Empower your students with Hoop Kid's Basketball Book Party program.
Let's inspire a love for reading and fitness together.

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