Bernard's Big Leap

What's worse than being called too short for basketball? Losing your secret weapon high-tech sneakers to a gang of sneaky third graders.

Thirteen-year-old Bernard "Hoop Kid" Jones bought high-tech sneakers to finally dunk and silence his park bully. His dad warned against it but gave in with one condition: "If something goes wrong, you're on your own."

Well, something went wrong. After the shoes malfunction and launch him into a public pool, Bernard leaves them to dry—and they vanish.

Now he has one day to find them before facing his bully. And his parents.

Armed with nothing but bus fare, determination, and his high-tech talking basketball Coach G5000, Bernard races across Kansas City—encountering a tiny bus driver who's living proof that size doesn't define you, a wise jazz musician, a truth-telling BBQ pitmaster, and a basketball legend with a shocking secret about his bully. With each stop, he gets closer to his sneakers... and to realizing he might not need them after all.

Sometimes the biggest slam dunk is having the courage to be yourself.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Underdog sports stories with heart and humor
• Action-packed adventures through vibrant city streets
• Characters who discover their own strength
• Stories about standing up to bullies and finding confidence
• A laugh-out-loud journey about self-confidence, courage, and learning that the best version of yourself doesn't come in a box—even if it has really cool sneakers.
• Fans of Ghost by Jason Reynolds and The Crossover by Kwame Alexander will love this high-energy basketball adventure that proves real power comes from within.
• Perfect for ages 8-12, grades 3-7

Product Details:

• Published by: Hoop Kid, LLC
• Written by: Teko Bernard
• Cover Illustration by: Josh Shipley
• Paperback: 118Pages
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.25 x 8.5
• Genre: Juvenile Fiction / Sports / Basketball
• ISBN-13: 979-8-9944361-0-3