A fun middle-grade chapter book, full of mystery, magic, and adventure! ★★★★★

BERNARD JONES IS GOING PLACES, is a fun fast-paced, action-packed middle-grade chapter book that follows the adventure of Bernard Jones, a brave yet sheltered small-town boy who dreams of traveling the world like his grandfather, a famous globetrotting photographer, and relic-hunter. That dream suddenly becomes a reality when he accidentally receives a magical ancient relic from his grandfather, for his twelfth birthday. Once the prized possession of 14th-century Mali king, Mansa Musa, the relic has the power to teleport Bernard to any place in the world. Bernard has a blast using the relic to visit cool places but is ultimately transported into a dangerous mission to save his grandfather from a trio of ruthless thieves called the Mansa Musa Gang, who are after the magic relic. Bernard must be courageous, responsible, and creative to save his grandfather, keep the ancient relic safe, and get back home before his overprotective parents find out.

This solo debut chapter book from THE HOOP KID FROM ELMDALE PARK and ELITE SQUAD creator Teko Bernard is a fun adventure for elementary and middle-grade readers of Adam Gidwitz, Dustin Brady, Jeff Kinney, and Varian Johnson.

Kids will relate to Bernard's natural curiosity, imagination, and his longing for independence and freedom to explore and be adventurous.

This slim and exciting chapter book with its short chapters is perfect for school reading lists and newly independent readers looking for more challenging stories full of fun and adventure in amazing locations around the world. The Great Pyramids. Egypt. The Great Wall. China. West Africa. White Sand Beaches. The United Kingdom. Buckingham Palace.