It was such an honor to receive an advanced readers copy of “MUZOON: A SYRIAN REFUGEE SPEAKS OUT,” by author & activist Muzoon Almellehan & co-authored by professor Wendy Pearlman. In this incredible true story, Muzoon documents her riveting journey from being a 14 year old Syrian refugee, to advocating for young women & education, to becoming the youngest Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Out tomorrow, May 23, MUZOON: A SYRIAN REFUGEE SPEAKS OUT, is an inspiring read that teaches us i...
May 23, 2023•2 min
They say your second #book is the hardest to #write. I guess the amazing #MGLit mastermind @TPhillipsWriter didn’t get that memo. His second #story THE CURIOUS LEAGUE OF DETECTIVES AND THIEVES: SOS, is a thrilling ride! The same lovable protagonists John Boarhog & Toadius McGee are back at it in this EPIC #read
May 18, 2023•2 min
In this video I review New York Times best-selling Author Dan Gutman's entertaining novel, HOUDINI AND ME. And, like most of Dan Gutman’s engaging stories, HOUDINI AND ME captures the interest of even the most reluctant of readers! What's more?! Dan even includes a "Facts & Fictions" section at the end of the book, so for all of you trivia buffs like me, that's one more reason to love this fun filled adventurous read! 10/10 Great news! I'll be interviewing the AMAZING Dan Gutman on my YouTub...
May 18, 2023•2 min
In this video I review the middle-grade masterpiece "Matteo," by author Michael Leali Matteo is truly a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ+ themed story, and a read like none other I’ve come across before! Overflowing with meaning, heart, and the deep-rooted message of acceptance, MATTEO is incredibly profound. I can’t wait for the world to read this beautiful book! A perfect 10 out of 10! If you like my book review be sure to like this video and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
May 18, 2023•3 min
I had the honor of sitting down virtually with the award-winning writer of entertaining, suspenseful, and important historical fiction and non-fiction middle-grade novels, author Steve Sheinkin. Steve has lived a fascinating life, and it shows in his stories, filled with knowledge, interesting facts, and historical information, yet written in a way that keeps you wanting to read more! Readers learn without even trying! Listen in on our conversation and find out why Steve Sheinkin is one of my al...
May 07, 2023•45 min
In this episode of E Train Talks, I'm thrilled to be speaking with award-winning author Jay Hosler! Jay is an entomologist, bee-enthusiast, TED Talker, and award-winning author and illustrator of really cool and informative science-oriented comics and graphic novels! He's also a doctor of biological sciences, as well as a professor at Juniata College, but on top of all that, Jay is truly an all-around amazing person, full of enthusiasm and a love of teaching, writing, and sharing knowledge on al...
Mar 30, 2023•32 min
Jennifer is truly a literacy hero, changing kids' lives one read at a time, and it was an honor and privilege to speak with her on E Train Talks! Jennifer is a supercharged literacy hero and champion of the reading kind, in fact, Jennifer’s Bess the Book Bus shares around 50,000 books with kids in dozens of states across the US each year. And, in 2022, Bess the Book Bus celebrated its 20th birthday and gave away their millionth book! I have so much admiration for what Jennifer is doing and I’m b...
Mar 11, 2023•35 min
In this interview, I talk everything Jewish-themed books with Joanne Levy, the award-winning author of many middle-grade novels for kids. Joanne has been a supporter of my reading journey from the beginning, so this interview is one extremely close to my heart! Watch & learn about literacy advocacy, how to fight antisemitism & more! Be sure to follow Joanne's writing journey at: www.joannelevy.com
Mar 11, 2023•28 min
I had the honor of sitting down virtually with the AMAZING Torrey Maldonado, author of such heartfelt middle-grade books as, TIGHT, WHAT LANE? and his newest novel HANDS! During our talk, Torrey shares his writing & teaching journey, talks about how comic books impacted his life, and he teaches us what it means to be a wonderful human being! This is one of my favorite interviews! Watch & see why I'm not just a fan of Torrey's books, but I'm a huge fan of the author himself! Follow Torrey...
Mar 11, 2023•55 min
What a fun and engaging interview! I have always adored middle-grade author Janae Marks' books, and when I was given the chance to interview the one and only writer of the ZOE WASHINGTON series and A SOFT PLACE TO LAND, I was thrilled! You'll learn so much from my discussion with Janae. From her time in musical theater, to the ongoing production of the ZOE WASHINGTON movie, to discussing Janae's newest novel, ON AIR WITH ZOE WASHINGTON, and much more! It was truly a magical day and I'm so gratef...
Mar 11, 2023•46 min
In this interview, I speak with New York Times Bestselling middle-grade author and award-winning Newbery honoree Sheila Turnage, the author of the thrilling THREE TIMES LUCKY SERIES, as well as her newest non-fiction mystery, page-turner, ISLAND OF SPIES! Watch and learn about Sheila's interesting writing journey! It was an absolute honor to talk with Sheila and I know you'll love hearing her story as much as I did!
Mar 11, 2023•29 min
In this interview, I speak with Catherine Arguelles, the debut author of one of my 2022 favorite middle-grade realistic fiction reads, FLIP TURNS! Watch as we learn about Catherine's interesting story, as well as find out why you'll want your next read to be FLIP TURNS! Find out what Catherine is up to next at: www.catherinearguelles.com BE SURE TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE SO YOU DON'T MISS A BOOK CHAT! Follow me at www.etraintalks.com
Mar 11, 2023•21 min
In this episode of E Train Talks, I discuss everything books with the storytelling legend & #1 New York Times bestselling middle-grade historical and realistic fiction Author, Alan Gratz! Alan Gratz is the recipient of the Sydney Taylor Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, and The Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature, to name just a few! Thanks for listening!
Mar 11, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In this episode of E Train Talks, I'm joined by the incredibly talented, thought provoking and award-winning historical fiction storyteller, author Alda P. Dobbs. Watch as we discuss Alda's two heartwarming novels, BAREFOOT DREAMS OF PETRA LUNA & THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER, as well as learn about her writing journey. You can follow Alda at: www.aldapdobbs.com Follow my journey at: www.etraintalks.com
Feb 26, 2023•29 min
I had the true honor of interviewing one of my all-time favorite middle-grade authors, creator of the SPY SCHOOL, CHARLIE THORNE, FUNJUNGLE, SPACE BASE ALPHA, and the ONCE UPON A TIME series, along with many more epic stories, Stuart Gibbs! Stuart is not just a New York Times bestselling author, but he’s also worked in television and movies and recently had a graphic novel published by DC Comics. Stuart has done it all, and his writing journey is only just beginning. You can follow Stuart Gibbs ...
Feb 19, 2023•38 min
Rumor Has It, Author Kevin Sylvester has a new book out! I was thrilled to talk with the wonderfully witty and talented author, Kevin Sylvester for the SECOND TIME on E Train Talks, about his newest novel, APARTMENT 713, as well as his amazing writing & illustrating journey! Kevin is the award-winning middle-grade author of truly awesome stories. Some of his novels include THE FABULOUS ZED WATSON, HOCKEY SUPER SIX, THE PUCK DROPS HERE, NEIL FLAMBE & so many more! I love chatting with Kev...
Jan 31, 2023•29 min
I'm beyond honored to share my interview with the very first American Triathlon Olympic Gold Medalist, Gwen Jorgensen, as well as Gwen's wonderful mother, author Nancy Jorgenson and Gwen's Sister, author and educator, Elizabeth Jorgenson. Together with Gwen, they co-authored the incredible story of Gwen's journey to the Olympic Gold. I can't tell you how excited I am to share this video. Enjoy! Here you can find signed copies of the book! https://www.booksco.com/signed-copy-g... Here are Elizabe...
Jan 28, 2023•34 min
Did you know that at Age 8, Alyssa Rosenberg was a book reviewer in her local newspaper? I was beyond excited to interview Alyssa Rosenberg, an Opinion Columnist at The Washington Post, and jumped for joy when the day arrived! Alyssa is the writer behind the "To Build a Delightful Library for Kids, Start With These 99 Books" piece, where she asked parents across the political spectrum for three books that need to be in a child's library. Alyssa's article shows that books shouldn't and don't brin...
Jan 13, 2023•41 min
RUMOR HAS IT, Erika Lewis has a new middle-grade novel coming in 2023! Watch my wonderful interview with Erika Lewis, where I interview her a SECOND Time ahead of the release of her newest book, KELCIE MURPHY FOR THE HEART OF DANU coming May 23, 2023, for my first Rumor Has It episode! Erika is the author of the fast-paced and thrilling KELCIE MURPHY AND THE ACADEMY FOR THE UNBREAKABLE ARTS, an American Library Association, gold starred middle-grade read! If you're looking for an entertaining no...
Jan 06, 2023•35 min
I had the honor of interviewing the award-winning, New York Times Best Selling author, whose books always entertain, and inspire, as well as educate, and touch his readers' hearts, my personal hero and storytelling legend Author Gordon Korman!
Jan 06, 2023•40 min
In honor of #GivingTuesdaySpark on November 29th, I talked with the one and only Dante Plush! Dante is a kindness spark and a great force of inspiration to me and so many youths around the globe. He's a Giving Tuesday Kindness Legend himself, and the Director of Youth Engagement and Outreach for Giving Tuesday Spark! No one can compare to the warmth in his heart, and his ongoing work to change the world! That's why I was so honored to sit down and talk with him! Watch our chat!...
Jan 06, 2023•36 min
I was absolutely thrilled to sit down with the award-winning debut middle-grade writer of medieval magic Alysa Wishingrad, the author behind “The Verdigris Pawn!” In our talk, Alysa speaks passionately and profoundly about important middle-grade topics & is a wonderful human being. This is one interview you don't want to miss! Follow Alysa's writing journey here: https://alysawishingrad.com/...
Dec 14, 2022•30 min
I was absolutely thrilled to sit down virtually with the wonderful Canadian storyteller and author of the thrilling "Aggie Morton Mystery Queen" series, Marthe Jocelyn. Marthe writes masterful mysteries that don’t just highly entertain, but also educate and intrigue readers. Not only that, Marthe has written 50 books from board books to children's reads, to middle grade, to YA! Marthe has been a wonderful supporter of my reading journey and I'm so happy to share everything she's doing to promote...
Dec 14, 2022•40 min
Watch my interview with the wonderful Middle-Grade Author Elly Swartz. Elly is the author of four contemporary middle-grade novels. And, not only is Elly an amazing storyteller, but she's also an attorney (WOW)! Elly has been a huge supporter of all of my bookish endeavors, and I was thrilled to have her on my podcast! Learn more about Elly's fascinating life, as well as her writing journey, in our talk
Dec 13, 2022•35 min
WOW! What a heartwarming, breathtaking, and truly special read! THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT by Chris Baron takes readers on a magical adventure of friendship, family, and believing in yourself. Chris Baron is a masterful author, his novel-in-verse made me cry, laugh, smile, cheer, and feel all the feels! This book needs to be on all of your to-be-read lists! 10/10! Listen to my book review to learn more!
Nov 26, 2022•3 min
Listen to my book review on "The Civil War of Amos Abernathy." Written by Michael Leali, this Marvelous Middle Grade story, is one like none other I've read so far. A touching, relatable tale of a Tween discovering who he is, while also discovering that not everyone's path to uncovering our true self is the same. Listen to find out more about this incredible read!
Nov 22, 2022•4 min
Wow! Lisa McMann has truly DONE IT AGAIN with Book 2 of her middle-grade fantasy series "The Forgotten Five, The Invisible Spy!" From supernaturals, to supervillains, friendship to betrayal, and plots seen right through, literally, this story has it all! If you're looking for a thrilling tale that will NEVER get old, read THE FORGOTTEN FIVE, THE INVISIBLE SPY!
Nov 08, 2022•4 min
I had the huge honor of interviewing the one and only film maker and middle-grade author of "The Basketball Game," Hart Snider! Hart is a director, writer, and story editor, who’s edited films and series for CBC, NFB, Paramount Television, Nat Geo, Global, History, Food Network, NBA Canada, and more, and yes, on top of all this, he’s also a published author! Not to mention Hart’s been Honored by the government of Alberta Canada and winner of most inspirational short film, as well as recognized f...
Oct 27, 2022•35 min
Once upon a time, there weren’t any middle-grade books, especially fairy tale middle-grade books. Middle schoolers were starting to grow tired of the same old Cinderella story or Snow White. Then, one author came along and helped change that. And I’m so honored to share my interview with the trailblazing author Jen Calonita. She along with other writers changed the course of fairy tales forever. Her “Fairy Tale Reform School,” “Lost Legends,” and many other book series are a huge part of the new...
Oct 27, 2022•38 min
What a thrilling and fun filled adventure Stuart Gibbs takes us on in Spy School Project X . I kid you not that I read this book in one sitting, cover to cover, no intermissions needed! You'll soon find out that this book review is longer then most, but I had to share as much as I could about Stuart Gibbs' brilliant read, the 10th book in the Spy School Series! In case you couldn’t tell, I’m a HUGE Fan of Stuart Gibbs storytelling, and his Spy School Series is one of my all time favorites! What ...
Oct 13, 2022•5 min
