Bernard's Big Leap

Bernard does it again! Bernard’s Big slap captured the attention of our entire family adults and kids aged 3 to 19!! Great job and we can’t wait for his next adventure.

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.

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.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.