Uncle Mark (Mark Amoroso) is a veteran, mathematician, storyteller, and real-life cool uncle. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Towson University. His writing blends intellectual curiosity with a heart-centered mission: to help children develop emotional resilience, mindfulness, and kindness through storytelling.

Mark’s journey of personal healing began after being wounded in Sangin, Afghanistan in 2011 while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. What followed was a deep period of reflection and growth, ultimately inspiring his work as a writer and mentor. His debut picture book, The Happy Mind of Reddy Spaghetti, started as a fun, heartfelt passion project for his nieces and nephews — but quickly evolved into a larger mission to break generational cycles and promote healing through literature.

Drawing inspiration from Buddhist teachings, therapy insights, and his real-life rescue dog Red, Mark writes with a voice that is both playful and profound. His stories gently guide young readers toward emotional awareness, self-regulation, and the tools they need to face life with compassion and courage.

Now writing under the name Uncle Mark, he brings warmth, wisdom, and a touch of whimsy to every page — helping kids (and the grown-ups who love them) nurture their own happy minds.