Mark Soderstrom

Mark Soderstrom grew up just a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan—and is still there. He spends as much time as he can hiking the forests, running along the rivers, or just getting lost in the waves and wild beauty of his home state in his Jeep. That love of nature shows up in the settings of his books, where adventure and self-discovery often begin just off the roads.

Before becoming an author, Mark worked in aerospace engineering, where his curiosity and creativity earned him seven patents. (At least it sounds like actual rocket science.) He's also a 4th-degree black belt in American Karate, a certified SCUBA diver, a skier and a marathon runner—which means his characters don’t just sit around talking; they move, fight, explore, and push their limits.

Mark and his wife raised two mixed-race children, and his stories reflect the real challenges and strengths of kids navigating identity, family, and belonging—especially those who feel like they don’t fit into just one box. His books blend action, heart, and hope for anyone figuring out who they are and where they belong.