AND THEN, BOOM! Author Lisa Fipps' newest middle-grade novel-in-verse is a must read! I am the biggest STARFISH fan, and when I heard the wonderful Lisa Fipps had a new story coming out I was so excited! And THEN, when I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC (advanced readers copy) by the amazing author herself, I immediately sat down and read AND THEN, BOOM! from cover to cover in one sitting! And all I can say, is that Lisa's second novel-in-verse is a home run! A 10/10! A compelling & movi...
Jan 26, 2024•3 min
THE MONA LISA VANISHES: A LEGENDARY PAINTER, A SHOCKING HEIST, AND THE BIRTH OF A GLOBAL CELEBRITY (that’s a mouthful) by author Nicholas Day is a remarkably entertaining & highly informative read! Told like a page-turning mystery fiction read, yet packed with perplexing & interesting historical facts. THE MONA LISA VANISHES is perfect for curious middle-grade readers intrigued by historical events, as well as for those who are drawn to action & excitement! Finding a story perfect fo...
Jan 26, 2024•2 min
Once in a while a book comes out that opens minds and helps readers look at the world in a whole new way! That’s exactly what the incredible author and Editor Sandra Proudman has done with Relit! A collection of sixteen creative and unique stories by award-winning and bestselling YA Latinx authors, including some of my all-time favorite storytellers. Relit is powerful anthology of 16 re-told tales that puts futuristic and current twists on classic tales! Out on February 6th, RELIT is sure to kee...
Jan 25, 2024•1 min
It was an incredible honor and great fun interviewing storytelling legend, Dan Santat! Dan is a New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator, a Caldecott Medal Winner and (drum roll please) the 2023 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature. Dan writes and illustrates highly entertaining stories for kids of all ages and has even illustrated for celebrities like Jake Gyllenhaal & Henry Winkler! I can't wait for you to watch our talk! Follow Dan's epic writing journey at: h...
Jan 02, 2024•50 min
I’m excited to share my talk with picture book author Gabrielle Balkan! As a fan of all things history & trivia, I’ve always devoured non-fiction and fact driven stories, and Gabrielle is a master of the art of writing fascinating, informational, and highly entertaining stoires! Here’s some more about Gabrielle to get you excited to watch our interview! Gabrielle is best known for her non-fiction books that delight young readers with curious and essential facts about the United States, anima...
Dec 31, 2023•25 min
Award-winning Author Ruth Behar has given the world yet another deeply moving and heartwarming historical fiction middle-grade novel, ACROSS SO MANY SEAS, a beloved Jewish-themed book that shares the message of hope. While the present maybe scary, Ruth’s story reminds us that when we band together, stand together, and speak up together, we can make sure history doesn’t repeat itself. There is always hope in the rubble, we just have to find it. Thank you for writing such important and meaningful ...
Dec 31, 2023•2 min
I'm the biggest trivia buff when it comes to all things American history so interviewing former white house speech writer turned middle-grade author Sean O'Brien was such a huge treat! Author Sean O'Brien is a former speech writer for the White House, Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the Navy, so it's no wonder just how much interesting knowledge and know-how Sean was able to incorporate into his action packed and adventuress debut middle-grade novel, WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE! Sean captur...
Dec 31, 2023•35 min
I had the absolute best time talking with Newbery Honoree and New York Times Best-Selling author Shannon Hale! Shannon is the incredible mastermind behind dozens and dozens of captivating and entertaining books! She's an award winning and critically acclaimed writer for all ages who adds charm, wit, silliness and relatability to her stories. It was such fun hearing how Shannon's writing journey has unfolded and I know you'll love learning about Shannon as much as I did. Enjoy! Shannon Hale has w...
Dec 21, 2023•52 min
Wow! What a fantastic interview, I learned so much for the wonderful middle-grade author Christina Soontornvat! From writing techniques, to deep dives into hot kid lit topics & so much more! Did you know Christina set out to be a scientist before becoming an author, and it was science which sparked a love of writing? You'll learn about that and a whole lot more in my chat with THREE-time Newbery Honoree, the writer behind THE LAST MAPMAKER, THE TRYOUT & ALL THIRTEEN, Christina Soontornva...
Nov 22, 2023•45 min
Welcome to my very first youth author panel discussion. In this video you'll meet Six amazing young writers who have taken their dream of becoming a published author and made it a reality! Six phenomenal youth who have something to say! From topics of kindness, to love and empowerment, to fairy chronicle adventures, to technology and finding one's passion, to even a mystery story, and last, but not least, a kid scientist! It was so inspiring talking to these six change makers! Not only have they...
Nov 10, 2023•37 min
You're invited to watch my 2nd annual Spooktacular Halloween Episode, where I'm spotlighting the writer of all things MONSTERIOUS, author Matt McMann! In my interview with Matt, you'll learn the inspiration behind his fast-paced, action--packed, spooky, MONSTERIOUS book series. Matt McMann writes silly, page-turning stories perfect for the most reluctant of middle-grade readers, but enjoyable enough for even the most avid bookworm! I had a blast talking to Matt and learning all about his interes...
Nov 10, 2023•30 min
A sequel is often the toughest book for authors to write, but it's always helpful when they have an amazing editor to shine a light on important details to be added and information to be taken out. The combination of author extraordinaire Tom Phillips and Pixe+Ink Editor Alison Weiss make for the perfect team. These two people are certainly "in-the-know" when it comes to the writing world, so If you are looking for writing advice on how to write a sequel, or are interested in writing your very f...
Nov 10, 2023•44 min
The 11th book in the SPY SCHOOL series by Stuart Gibbs, SPY SCHOOL GOES NORTH certainly did NOT disappoint. Full of twists and turns, epic adventures, and lots more! I guarantee you will love Stuart's latest and greatest read! 10/10! Listen to my book review to learn more!
Oct 03, 2023•2 min
This is my chat with Malia Maunakea! In this interview I shine a light on an author who’s spreading kindness and generosity in the world, as well as introducing us to an incredible new book hero, a Hawaiian heroine, Lei, who’s teaching us how to be strong, courageous and fierce. Lei is the amazing main character in Malia's debut middle-grade novel, “LEI & THE FIRE GODDESS.” A book that Kirkus Reviews describes as “An exhilarating, adventure-filled celebration of Hawaiian culture." If you wan...
Sep 30, 2023•33 min
WOW! I’m so grateful I had the chance to read "WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE" by debut author Sean O’Brien! WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE features everything I look for in middle-grade stories! From historical references, present and future elements, smart & confident protagonists, and even some unique illustrations, this book has it all! Sean takes his former White House speechwriting and political experiences and masterfully crafts a perfect #mglit book! I hope to read more from Sean O'Brien in the future...
Sep 30, 2023•2 min
I know I’m a little late to the party, but WOW…THE MIDNIGHT CHILDREN is yet another masterfully crafted middle-grade tale by author Dan Gemeinhart. True to form, Dan once again draws readers into his story by crafting touching, heartwarming and relatable characters. THE MIDNIGHT CHILDREN is a soulful read that connects with us deeply, giving readers a wonderfully memorable middle grade reading escape. Dan’s stories evoke some of the most powerful feelings I’ve felt in kidlit! I can’t recommend T...
Sep 10, 2023•2 min
In this video, I'm speaking with news anchor, reporter, and amazing Good Day Sacramento TV Host, the one and only, mischievous scamp, Cody Stark! Cody has done it all, he’s traveled across the country, read the HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY about 100 times…maybe even more… and brings a smile to the people of Sacramento on a daily basis! Not only that, but Cody has been a huge supporter of my literacy journey! Cody has opened up so many doors for me throughout my book journey, from inviting me...
Sep 10, 2023•32 min
My author guest, Lindsey Leigh really knows her stuff when it comes to science, writing, and even art! Her stories combine fascinating and curious facts, with the bonus of bold, fun and engaging art! She's the well known creator of amazing and interesting science-based comics and she’s recently come out with a new children's book, THE DEEP! WILD LIFE AT THE OCEAN’S DARKEST DEPTHS! Lindsey has some new middle-grade stories on the horizon, and you'll learn about those and lots more when you watch ...
Sep 10, 2023•22 min
Dungeons and Dragons meets Super Mario Brothers in SPELLBINDERS; THE NOT SO CHOSEN ONE! I had such an epic time chatting with middle-grade author & all around cool guy, Andrew Auseon! Andrew is not just a writer, but a video game developer, an active member of the middle-grade book community, and a gamer! Not to mention, Andrew is on his way to becoming a middle-grade story-writing legend! Watch our talk & find out why! And, be sure to find a copy of Andrew's newest read, SPELLBINDERS; T...
Aug 25, 2023•36 min
Coretta Scott King Award-Winning Author, Sharon G. Flake's writing has made a huge impact on young adult and middle-grade literature and her newest middle-grade novel-in-verse story, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON is no different! Sharon's books have touched the hearts and opened the minds of readers from around the world, and not only that, her books address important social issues that both inspire and educate readers. From Sharon's award winning read, THE SKIN I'M IN, to her latest work of masterful mid...
Aug 10, 2023•41 min
Nick Brooks has a STORY to tell and he's sharing it on E Train Talks! From writing books with strong lovable characters, to speaking from the heart in his incredible short films, to channeling his feelings into his hip hop tunes, Nick has done it ALL!! He is an inspiration, he is PROOF that if you work hard, you can do anything! Nick's books are so special and deserve all the praise in the world. Nick's first middle-grade work of fiction, NOTHING INTERESTING EVER HAPPENS TO ETHAN FAIRMONT is an ...
Jul 21, 2023•36 min
With a dash of adventure, a pinch of magic & a whole lot of faeries, my guest, author Holly Black creates the perfect fantastical stories! Having sold over 29 million copies of her books, Holly Black is a story writing icon across the globe! From YA fantasy, to middle-grade adventure & spooky chronicles, Holly's magical reads are fan favorites in the YA world & I've become a fan myself! Holly shares writing advice, the story behind her beautiful cover art & tid-bits of many of he...
Jul 13, 2023•46 min
If you’re in the mood for a fun, lively & inspiring interview, you’ve come to the right place! Check out my talk with the amazing Jake Maia Arlow! In honor of Pride Month, I sat down virtually with the FABULOUS author Jake Maia Arlow! Jake is an award-winning middle-grade and young adult author, whose stories are relatable and seriously relevant works of writing art! I was so excited to have the chance to talk with Jake about their newest middle-grade realistic fiction, diverse masterpiece, ...
Jul 13, 2023•40 min
In a world where books tend to just tackle one or two problems, author Jake Maia Arlow’s newest book, THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET, takes readers on a middle-school challenge filled journey, true to the lives of many tweens and teens today! With themes of queerness, religion, family, friendship, and the tummy ache of the century, Jake takes us on a coming-of-age reading adventure filled with everything needed to make this your new favorite read! I’m so glad I was able to review this fan...
Jun 27, 2023•2 min
IT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY is a powerful & poignant middle-grade book by author Sydney Dunlap. From the first words on the very first page, to the last compelling sentence in this important story, I was hooked. The characters are well developed and relatable, and IT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY is so well crafted and captivating. Sydney did a wonderful job interweaving such an important topic, human trafficking, into her meaningful and empathetic read. Thank you for watching my book review. If you enjo...
Jun 25, 2023•3 min
I was so excited to sit down virtually with the famous "Shib Sibs," Maia and Alex Shibutani, Olympic Bronze Medalists, three-time World Medalists and authors! Their newest diverse picture book, AMAZING shares the stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander heroes that have demonstrated great courage, innovation, creativity, and more! Listen to my interview and learn more about the Shib Sibs' remarkable skating & writing journey, as well as see why you'll want to read their wonderful pictu...
Jun 25, 2023•5 min
Today we are celebrating Juneteenth with my very special guest, Alliah L. Agostini, author of the powerful picture book, THE JUNETEENTH STORY: CELEBRATING THE END OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITES STATES! I invite you to watch, learn and celebrate with us, as we honor the holiday Juneteenth! But wait, there's more! In my interview with Alliah, we'll also be discussing her inspirational writing journey & books, from THE JUNETEENTH STORY to BIG TUNE: RISE OF THE DANCEHALL PRICE, and her upcoming Little...
Jun 20, 2023•30 min
"When You Have an Education, Nobody Can Take It Away from You" I had the HONOR of sitting down virtually with UNICEF Ambassador for Goodwill & newly published author, as well as one of my personal kindness heroes, Muzoon Almellehan! Muzoon has dedicated her life to ensuring all girls & kids have access to education! Her activism is beyond inspiring. "MUZOON, A SYRIAN REFUGEE SPEAKS OUT," is a riveting story that will inspire young readers to use their own voices and stand up for what the...
Jun 15, 2023•33 min
When a copy of the highly anticipated THE SUN AND THE STAR, a spinoff of PERCY JACKSON arrived at my doorstep, I leaped for joy & devoured the book immediately! Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro are the perfect duo! There's heart, adventure, and so much more inside of THE SUN AND THE STAR! I promise you that you won't want to put this book down! There were so many themes woven into this LGBTQ+ book, but my favorite has to be togetherness. Here's just a little sneak peek. The team of Will Solace...
Jun 04, 2023•3 min
Author Michael Leali is truly a one-of-a-kind award-winning middle-grade author. His books are full of heart, LGBTQ+ themes, and acceptance, and his stories are windows and mirrors into the lives of kids/tweens/teens struggling with their sometimes complicated & confusing feelings for others. Michael's profound and meaningful stories are among some of my favorite reads. I'm so happy to share my interview with Michael, watch and learn more about his writing journey. Follow Michael Leali on so...
Jun 02, 2023•7 min
