Before the screens. Before the noise. Before you forgot what summer felt like.
Some weekends stay with you forever. This is one of them.
Set in the summer of 1997, A Weekend at Gramps '97 is a middle-grade story based on true events, an engaging choice for readers looking for middle grade books that feel both funny and meaningful. A classic 90s children's book, blending true family memories, original interior art, real family photos, and a 1990s setting, this story feels like opening an old family album and stepping into a weekend full of chaos, comedy, and heart.
Some weekends are too funny to forget and too meaningful to leave behind.
A warm, funny, and deeply human journey through one unforgettable weekend in New England. Ten-year-old Dave and his younger brother Kyle are dropped off with their Boston sports-obsessed grandfather, Russell Gard Marsden. What follows is the kind of weekend that turns into a lifetime of stories.
What makes this story unforgettable:
- A true story with real events, real family photos, original interior art
- Sibling rivalry so relatable it hurts, one brother eager to spend, the older feels he must be responsible
- A grandfather who turns every moment into an adventure
- Nostalgic 90s childhood details that adults will recognize and kids will love
- Perfect fit for a mentor text when teaching Next Generation standards related to narrative writing
Perfect for fans of realistic fiction books for kids ages 9-12 who want stories rooted in real life, real family bonds, and real laughter. Ideal for classroom read-alouds, school library collections, and any young reader who loves baseball, playful childhood tales, or grew up wanting to listen to their grandparent's stories.
For the grown-up who lived the 90s. For the kid who needs to hear it.
If your child loves middle school books with heart, humor, and history, this is the one they'll talk about long after the last page.
Grab your copy today.
Mercaldo, Dave: - Dave Mercaldo (known to his students as Mr. Mercaldo) is an author, educator, and school librarian with nearly two decades of experience in New York City and Martha's Vineyard. Holding a Master's in Elementary Education and School Building Leadership, Dave has spent his career fostering a love of storytelling in the classroom and the library.In his middle-grade series, A Weekend at Gramps '97, Dave draws on his own childhood adventures to celebrate family bonds, 90s nostalgia, and the quirky traditions of New England. His work is deeply informed by his expertise in pedagogy and curriculum development, ensuring his stories are as educational as they are engaging.A firm believer in Frederick Douglass's sentiment that "it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men," Dave also publishes school magazines and collaborates with fellow creators to inspire creativity in young minds.When he isn't in the library or writing, Dave is a world traveler and athlete-having explored the Great Pyramid of Giza, swum with whale sharks in Mexico, and completed the Marine Corps Marathon. A resident of the greater New York City area and a lover of music, he also enjoys DJing as DJ D-Merc. Follow his journey on social media @davemercaldo for updates on his 2026 book tour and educational resources.
Porinchak, Eve: - "Since earning a degree in psychology and biology from UCLA, Eve has spent much of her time in jail-teaching creative writing to incarcerated teens. Her critically acclaimed book, ONE CUT--a haunting true story with a juvenile justice bent-launched Simon and Schuster's YA true crime line (which Eve co-created). A former agent with Jill Corcoran Literary (now part of Transatlantic Agency), she speaks at conferences all over the country (SCBWI, Writer's Digest, Writing Day Workshops), and teaches courses at UCLA on all things publishing.Eve also attended medical school, and has a robust background in social services, so she is quite adept at editing stories involving medicine, healthcare, psychology, foster care, incarceration, human trafficking, and homelessness. A highly collaborative developmental editor, Eve prides herself on whipping manuscripts into submission-ready shape, and has guided countless authors on their paths to publication.Authors Eve has worked with have landed top agents at Trident Media Group, Writer's House, Stimola Literary Studio, Transatlantic Agency, The Knight Agency, Andrea Brown Literary Agency, InkWell Management - plus many others - and secured subsequent book deals."
Ronquillo, Nadia: - Nadia Ronquillo is a children's book illustrator and designer who helps self-published authors turn their manuscripts into print-ready PDFs for Amazon or offset printers. She has worked with notable clients including National Geographic and Capstone Publishing.Born in sunny Guayaquil, Ecuador, Nadia's illustrations are inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of her homeland. Her passion for travel also fuels her creativity, creating a cycle of inspiration between her journeys and her art.With over 10 years of experience, Nadia began freelancing in 2014 and soon found her calling in supporting indie stories. During the COVID pandemic, she developed a streamlined process to help authors bring their projects to life. Since then, she has illustrated over 250 children's books.Nadia's professional background includes a degree in Graphic Design and Audiovisual Production. She has collaborated with Cocoa López Studio in Mexico as a visual development artist, contributing to children's books, animated shorts, and television projects.Her notable achievements include co-creating Tally Molly, an internationally recognized project featured in the Pixelatl Bootcamp in Mexico, The Laboratory: Bridging the Gap in Spain, and Ventana Sur in Argentina. In 2019, she presented Tally Molly at MIFA during the Festival of Annecy.Some Nadia's other clients include Oxford Publishing, Cricket Media, Highlights magazine, and many more. She remains dedicated to crafting magical stories and illustrations that leave a lasting impact.
