About Mark
Mark Darden is a Columbus-based children’s author and Ohio State graduate who grew up in Cleveland. His Elijah books are inspired by his younger self, a curious kid who loved exploring new places, and blend travel, culture, and history into joyful reading experiences for young audiences. Mark regularly leads interactive storytimes at schools, libraries, hospitals, and community events, and is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
My Story
Mark Darden grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, as a curious kid who wanted to see new places and know everything about them. That kid became Elijah. The star of Mark’s books is based on a younger version of himself, exploring real cities, landmarks, and food alongside his family.
Mark went on to graduate from The Ohio State University and now calls Columbus home. In 2020, he decided to turn his love of exploring into children’s books, and founded Buckeye Muscle Media LLC to share that curiosity with the next generation. Through Elijah’s adventures, he hopes to spark civic pride and show kids that every city has a story worth discovering, including their own.
When he isn’t writing, Mark is usually on the move. He’s a dedicated fitness enthusiast who has taken on the Arnold Pump and Run, the Big Ten 10K, the Fight For Air Stair Climb, the CN Tower Climb for United Way, and the Cleveland Marathon. He’s also a lifelong traveler whose trips have taken him to Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas, Toronto, London, Berlin, Paris and other locations. As he likes to say, when the glasses are on, there’s some traveling goin’ on.
A huge sports fan, Mark loves catching games in person and has attended NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and WWE events. His heart, though, belongs to his hometown teams: the Cleveland Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers, and of course, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
In schools, libraries, and community events, Mark brings that same energy and hometown pride to every storytime. His interactive readings get kids talking, laughing, and imagining where they’ll go next.
Author Highlights
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Books Published
3 books published
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Founder & Publisher
Founder, Buckeye Muscle Media
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Memberships
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Author Spotlight
Mark Darden is a Columbus-based children’s author, born and raised in Cleveland, who believes every child deserves to see their world in a book. Since bringing Elijah to life, Mark has taken his interactive storytime from Ohio classrooms to schools, hospitals, and literacy fairs across Philadelphia, helping young readers discover that the places around them are full of history, culture, and adventure.
Recent Visits & Events
Philly Reading Coaches School Tour · Philadelphia, PA · March 2026
Interactive read-alouds for after-school reading groups at Morris, McClure, and Anderson Elementary Schools.Overbrook Elementary School · West Philadelphia Alliance for Children · March 2026
Read-aloud for K–3rd grade classes during library time.St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children · Philadelphia, PA · February 2026
Black History Month storytime of Elijah Goes to Philadelphia, followed by an author meet & greet.2nd Annual Germantown Literacy Fair · Philadelphia, PA · October 2025
Vendor booth and storytime reading for fair attendees.Roxboro Elementary School · Cleveland Heights, OH · May 2023
Children’s Ink program, reading a poem alongside a 1st grade student.
"When the glasses are on, there's some traveling goin' on."
My Media Kit
Inspiring curiosity, civic pride, and a love for learning.
Bring Elijah’s adventures to your school, library, museum, or conference. Mark offers interactive storytimes, author talks, writing workshops, book signings, and virtual visits, with flexible packages for every budget, including a free visit with qualifying book orders.
The media kit has everything you need to plan: program options, pricing, speaking topics, and past events.
Questions? Email mark@buckeyemuscle.com
