In this special episode of E Train Talks, I sit down with Heidi Rabinowitz, host of "The Book of Life Podcast," to celebrate two incredible decades of Jewish storytelling, kidlit magic, and community connection. Heidi shares the inspiring journey behind the podcast, from its humble beginnings in 2005 to becoming a beloved platform for Jewish authors, illustrators, musicians, and more! Join me during Jewish American Heritage Month as we celebrate Heidi's 20 years of lifting up voices, sharing Jew...
May 28, 2025•36 min
Welcome to a special episode of E Train Talks! In today's show, I’m speaking to the Avengers of comedy writing, if the Avengers were Jewish (oh wait! Come to think of it a few are!). This is the first interview in my 2025 Jewish American Heritage month series and I'm so excited. This is my talk with 5 time Emmy and Peabody award-winning Jewish-American comedy writer, author, and producer Rob Kutner! Rob is a former writer for The Daily Show and Conan, and the author of books such as APOCALYPSE H...
May 04, 2025•40 min
In this video, I sat down virtually with Wendelin Van Draanen, the multi-award-winning author of over 30 books for children and teens of all ages. With a writing career that spans over two decades, and books that have touched the hearts of countless readers, Wendelin has many interesting and touching stories to share. You'll learn from someone who's crafted picture books, to middle grade to even YA not to mention you'll learn how her middle-grade novel FLIPPED was transformed into a Rob Reiner d...
Apr 28, 2025•31 min
Greek mythology is known for spotlighting the many talents of the Greek gods, discrediting goddesses and the women that helped pave the way in mythological stories. Luckily, we have amazing writers like Katherine Marsh who are busting myths and writing the truth behind every tale. THE MYTH OF MONSTERS: GOD’S CURSE is an eye opening and exciting reading experience! GOD’S CURSE is the second book in THE MYTH OF MONSTERS series, and I’m hoping it won’t be the last! Be sure to check out THE MYTH OF ...
Apr 25, 2025•2 min
New book alert! Award-winning middle-grade author Marthe Jocelyn has just published a new book, it’s not her usual middle-grade mystery thriller, this story is written specifically for older readers. It’s a short read that is sure to keep teens AND young adults entertained! With a quick and powerful fiery reading punch, this is ONE KISS, a short 114-page book that’s packed with everything needed for a compelling and extremely intriguing- can’t take your eyes off the pages- book! One kiss… one Ph...
Apr 25, 2025•2 min
THE JFK CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL KENNEDY―AND WHY IT FAILED by the New York Times Bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch is a fascinating deep dive into a lesser known, yet highly detailed assassination plan to take the life of President elect John F. Kennedy. In THE JFK CONSPIRACY, Meltzer and Mensch touch upon many intriguing details, whether it's the assassination attempt on JFK, the inner workings of the presidency, or the presidential transition between one candidate to ...
Apr 21, 2025•2 min
April is National School Library Month, the perfect time to celebrate the many ways librarians transform lives and strengthen communities. Since this month is all about amazing librarians, I thought it would be fitting to meet and speak with one of my own personal library heroes, my friend and role model, the School Library Journal, 2016 School Librarian of the Year, and author Todd Burleson! Todd spends his days inspiring kids to love reading! From organizing fantastic author events and creatin...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min
Every so often I come across a book that breaks the traditional middle-grade literature storytelling mold. This is one of those stories. WHALE EYES: A MEMOIR ABOUT SEEING AND BEING SEEN by by Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson & artist Brian Rea have crafted a novel that embodies the term “windows and mirrors Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson has written a novel that embodies the term “windows and mirrors.” Through unique, creative & thought-pro...
Apr 21, 2025•2 min
April is National Poetry Month & I’m celebrating by sharing my newest book review of THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by New York Times Bestselling author Kate Messner. THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is one of my top 2025 favorite reads!A moving & inspiring novel-in-verse that is a healing force for #kidlit readers who are experiencing or have experienced loss and grief. Sometimes it can be difficult to let go, and sometimes the sadness in our hearts can turn into anger & resentment. THE TROUBLE WIT...
Apr 21, 2025•3 min
If you’re looking for a story that combines history, pop culture and comedic timing, then I’ve got a book for you! THE JEWS 5,000; YEARS AND COUNTING by Emmy, Peabody& Grammy-Winning author Rob Kutner is the perfect read for anyone interested in learning about the history & culture of the Jewish people. THE JEWS: 5,000 YEARS AND COUNTING is a story that I personally hope all middle-graders & adults will read!Title: The Jews: 5,000 Years and CountingAuthor: Rob KutnerPublisher: Wicked...
Apr 21, 2025•2 min
Welcome to my talk with author Kate Messner, the multi- award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of fascinating nonfictional series like, HISTORY SMASHERS, which dives deep into the mysteries of history, as well as over 70 other amazing picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels! Kate has received many awards, from the E.B. White Read Aloud Award, Golden Kite and Crystal Kite Awards, to the Riverby Award for Natural History Writing, to many more! In this episode of E Train ...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min
I had the incredible honor of reading an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES: A TALE OF WORLD WAR II, by NYT Bestselling author Adam Gidwitz. After reading book 1, MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES: A TALE OF WORLD WAR II, I didn't think there'd be any way to top such a powerful read, but if anyone could write an equally fantastic read, it's Adam Gidwitz! MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES is a fast-paced, intriguing book that keeps readers engaged, interested and invested in this inspiring midd...
Mar 30, 2025•2 min
I have read my fair share of creepy middle-grade books, but I must admit, no story has made me feel quite as scared as when reading, IT’S WATCHING, by NYT and USA Today bestselling author Lindsay Currie! Lindsay pulls out all the stops to create the perfect chilling middle-grade tale. I was first introduced to Lindsay’s writing when I read THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS, an Instant New York Times Bestseller, and IT’S WATCHING is just as suspenseful and page-turning a story, but I’d say Lindsay took...
Mar 30, 2025•3 min
Have you ever wondered what makes the best NBA coaches great? What sets them apart from the opposition? How do they compose themselves when their team breaks down or players experience a meltdown? I certainly have pondered these questions, and I'm so grateful the book ELEVEN RINGS: THE SOUL OF SUCCESS was brought into my life by FOX 40 Sports Director, Andrew Marden! As Phil Jackson shares in his memoir, the fundamentals are an important aspect of any NBA team's success, but the connections that...
Mar 30, 2025•2 min
I had so much fun interviewing the amazing author & illustrator Alan Silberberg in honor of one of my favorite Jewish holidays, Purim! In our talk we celebrate Alan’s book, MEET THE HAMANTASCHEN: A PURIM STORY and talk about Alan’s other sweet & funny Jewish themed stories. Alan also shares interesting details about his writing journey and his newest book, THE BAGEL WHO WANTED EVERYTHING. Check out our engaging talk for new hamantaschen recipes and even more book recommendations! You won...
Mar 13, 2025•35 min
In coordination with ANYWAY Magazine, I had the opportunity to interview author Maria Scrivan! Maria is a New York Times Bestselling author and award-winning syndicated cartoonist, and she's the creator the NAT ENOUGH graphic novel series! NAT ENOUGH follows Nat (A.K.A. Natalie), an inquisitive girl just starting out in middle school. Friends drift away and new pals emerge, and Nat has to learn to stay true to herself and let go to old friendships. Maria is funny, intelligent, and just like her ...
Mar 13, 2025•27 min
As part of the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) 2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour, this is my interview with multi-award-winning author & cultural anthropologist, Ruth Behar.I was deeply honored to interview 2025 Sydney Taylor Honor Book Honoree and 2025 Newbery Honor recipient, author Ruth Behar. The Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour has recognized the best Jewish children's and young adult literature for the last 56 years and features interviews with all of the award-winning au...
Feb 13, 2025•43 min
Picture books are pure magic and the perfect stories to read during the holidays! And, I had the chance to meet and talk with a crafter of magically fun, sweet and silly stories, in-person, recently! Be sure to watch my fun talk with the creative & witty Dev Petty, the creative writer behind such books as, DON’T TRUST CATS, I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG, and the holiday #PB , ELMORE THE CHRISTMAS MOOSE! Watch, Learn & Smile! Dev Petty's picture book tales are humorous, playful, and trust me,...
Jan 20, 2025•23 min
This is my book review of THE FIRST CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL GEORGE WASHINGTON by New York Times Bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. The First Conspiracy shares a piece of American history that's not often taught in the classrooms or examined in textbooks. THE FIRST CONSPIRACY is filled with intriguing stories about our nation's first president, George Washington and includes events leading up to the early beginnings of the CIA and counterintelligence. A compelling, fast...
Jan 19, 2025•3 min
It's the holiday season, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to LET IT GLOW, a new middle-grade book that celebrates not just one, but two special holidays! LET IT GLOW is a sweet and festive dual Hanukkah and Christmas story, co-written by award-winning authors Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy! I’m so honored to be celebrating my last interview of the year with these two wonderfully talented and kind authors! So grab your favorite treat, sit back and enjoy some holiday cheer as I talk with award-win...
Jan 19, 2025•36 min
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: 16 HANUKKAH STORIES, edited by award-winning author Henry Herz, is an incredible middle-grade anthology that portrays the diverse history and traditions celebrated in Jewish families across the globe. Every story speaks to the heart and reminds readers of all the hopes, dreams and love shared by the Jewish people. I had the honor of speaking with 6 of the wonderful authors that contributed to this meaningful Hanukkah anthology. Watch my talk with these six wonderful story...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 30 min
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: 16 HANUKKAH STORIES is a much needed middle-grade anthology that is both a celebration and an acknowledgment of the past and present of this festive Jewish holiday. The story of Hanukkah is a story of hope and a story of a miracle. Edited by award-winning author Henry Herz, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS follows 16 protagonists, each with their own meaningful and diverse story, crafted by 16 incredibly gifted authors! This is a book filled with heart & soul and the perfect re...
Dec 15, 2024•2 min
It was an absolute pleasure speaking with author and journalist Andrew Maraniss. Andrew is a New York Times bestselling author of powerful sports and civil rights stories. His writing not only informs but also inspires, and his words are making an impactful mark in both the literary and journalistic worlds. His critically acclaimed books, such as Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South and Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First U.S. Women’s Olympic ...
Dec 07, 2024•17 min
In this interview I speak with Chris Baron and Torrey Maldonado, two award-winning middle-grade writers and two incredible people with big hearts. Their stories are heartwarming, engaging, but most wonderfully of all, they break societal norms! Their stories show readers the harsh realities that come with from toxic masculinity & they discuss how to combat harmful "stereotypical" masculine behaviors with positivity, empathy and healthy communication. Torrey and Chris craft strong, carrying, ...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In this episode of E Train Talks, I'm chatting with the writer behind some of my all time favorite kidlit STEM books, author Jennifer Swanson. As a kid who started my book journey reading nonfiction, I’m especially excited to share this interview. Jennifer Swanson is an award-winning author of more than 50 nonfiction children's STEM BOOKS, including such titles as, "Footprints Across the Planet: Teaches the Powerful Impact Everyone & Everything Has on the World" and "Super Gear: Nanotechnolo...
Nov 09, 2024•37 min
Loren Long is a writing and illustrating hero! His stories are cherished across the globe. His words have become staples in the picture book world, warming the hearts of people young and old. I had the honor of speaking with him about his newest bestselling story THE YELLOW BUS, along with his personal writing journey, and he was a delight! Did you know that Loren Long is actually colorblind? That’s right! Yet despite this obstacle, he is one of the most renowned picture book illustrators in the...
Oct 28, 2024•44 min
Award-winning author A.S. King brought nine incredible authors together to craft one remarkable Michael L. Printz Award-Winning book, THE COLLECTORS, a brilliant collection of unique and diverse stories, with characters that answer a simple yet complex question, “What is a collection?” Before reading this intriguing novel, always I thought of collections as the typical baseball cards and stamp collections, but THE COLLECTORS discusses the spiritual side of collections and through this compelling...
Oct 06, 2024•2 min
I had the pleasure of speaking with 5 wonderful authors about their works of Rosh Hashanah writing art! Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year, the newest year in the Hebrew Calendar! There are many Rosh Hashanah religious and cultural traditions observed and celebrated all across the globe. Watch our talk and find out more about these special books and their storytellers. Watch this interview and trust me, you’ll feel all the feels! Check out these phenomenal writers’ books too...
Sep 30, 2024•48 min
History is so fascinating and our world has been through so many twists and turns even in just the last 80 years! I was captivated throughout the entire reading of THE NAZI CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL ROOSEVELT, STALIN, AND CHURCHILL. Authors Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch are a writing force to be reckoned with, they demonstrate that no matter how many books you’ve read about a subject, there’s always more to learn, I've not read and reviewed many adult books, but as someone who has a p...
Sep 24, 2024•2 min
I’m a huge basketball fan, and I was so excited to receive STRONG INSIDE by award-winning author Andrew Maraniss! Andrew weaves together a thought provoking, interesting, and brilliant tale about the man who broke the SEC Basketball Color Barrier, PERRY WALLACE! I loved learning about Perry’s contributions to basketball and I hope his name and story will be shared more in the future, PERRY WALLACE is a hero! STRONG INSIDE: PERRY WALLACE AND THE COLLISION OF RACE AND SPORTS IN THE SOUTH is a spor...
Sep 24, 2024•2 min
