About the Author
Marcus Bradley
Father · Son · Brother · Family Man · Author · Speaker · Coach
Marcus Bradley was born in 1985 and raised in a foster family from the age of two. That lived experience shapes every page of his book, Changing the Dynamics Between You and Your Foster Child — a practical, compassionate guide written for foster and adoptive parents who want to build real trust and connection.
Today Marcus is an author, speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Elgin, Illinois — and, above all, a devoted father, son, brother, and family man. A graduate of Elgin High School (Class of 2003), he mentors young people through Diamond Duke Fitness, builds ventures under Diamond Duke Corporation, and advocates for Black and Latino communities and for children and families in foster care. Whether he’s coaching, speaking, or writing, his message stays the same: understanding begins when we listen.
Understanding begins when we listen.
Explore Marcus Bradley's lived-experience perspective on foster care, connection, and resilience.
Changing the Dynamics Between You and Your Foster Child
This book invites foster parents, kinship caregivers, social workers, and families to explore how empathy, communication, and genuine connection can transform the relationship between caregivers and children in foster care.
Watch the Book Trailer
A short look at the heart of the book — in Marcus’s own words from the page.
Changing the Dynamics Between You and Your Foster Child
Practical, compassionate guidance for foster parents — drawn from lived experience and real steps you can use to build trust, patience, and a lasting bond.
From the Book
Real passages from Changing the Dynamics Between You and Your Foster Child. The pieces readers connect with most rise to the top.
Excerpts from the book by Marcus Bradley.
Who This Book Is For
Written for anyone who wants to better understand and connect with children in foster care.
Foster Parents
Understand the experience from the child's perspective and build deeper connections.
Kinship Caregivers
Family members stepping into caregiving roles will find validation and insight.
Social Workers
Gain a lived-experience perspective to complement professional training.
Families & Advocates
Anyone invested in the well-being of children in foster care.
About Marcus Bradley
Marcus Bradley is an author, father of five, boxing coach, entrepreneur, and community advocate from Elgin, Illinois. Adopted at age two, he draws on his lived experience in foster care to encourage greater understanding between caregivers and children.
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Media Appearances
Marcus has been featured on shows discussing foster care, resilience, and family dynamics.
This Is Bananas
Marcus joins the This Is Bananas Podcast talk show for a conversation on resilience and mentorship.
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Related Brands
Marcus is involved in several ventures beyond writing.
Diamond Duke Corporation
Marcus's business ventures and entrepreneurship.
Diamond Duke Fitness
Fitness and boxing coaching programs.
Sunglow Innovations
Innovation and creative projects.
Tuyakeen Fight Wear
Athletic and fight wear brand.
The Blue App
Technology initiative.
Ready to Connect?
Whether you\'re looking to purchase the book, invite Marcus to speak, or explore bulk orders for your organization.