Today’s author interview is one very close to my heart. I’m speaking with a prolific writer of beautiful picture books. Books that teach valuable lessons, educate and inform, and most importantly, warms the hearts of her readers. From books like, RAINBOW ALLIES, to MARTIN & ANN, to A QUEEN TO THE RESCUE, to BEAUTIFUL SHADES OF BROWN: THE ART OF LAURA WHEELER WARING, my guest has written it all. And all her picture books feature characters from diverse backgrounds. From LGBTQ+, to Jewish, to ...
Sep 01, 2024•52 min
Lisa Schmid's new story, HART & SOULS is a spooky, yet heartwarming read! Lisa packs a hint of ghosts, a dash of love, and a pinch of humor too. Middle school is always going to be scary, but when you have to fulfill the final wishes of ghosts, well, that certainly adds to it! HART & SOULS is everything you want to see and read in a middle-grade book! I loved it! A 10/10! Author: Lisa Schmid Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing E Train Talks, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to in...
Aug 19, 2024•2 min
THE FIRST STATE OF BEING is a story that shocked me in the best ways possible. I haven’t read many time travel themed books, but Erin Entrada Kelly’s novel is so much more than one single narrative, it’s page turning, impactful & takes readers on a journey to the past, present & future! Watch my book review to learn more & don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a new book recommendation! Title: THE FIRST STATE OF BEING Author: Erin Entrada Kelly (Author of the Newbery Award-Winn...
Aug 19, 2024•2 min
Tom Phillips never disappoints with his fast-paced, adventure filled & intense THE CURIOUS LEAGUE OF DETECTIVES AND THIEVES book series! With themes of action, to friendship to discussing important themes like toxic masculinity, author Tom Phillips once again takes readers on a thrilling and entertaining middle-grade reading journey in his newest book, THE CURIOUS LEAGUE OF DETECTIVES & THIEVES, PERUVIAN EXPRESS, book three! READER BE WARNED: This review has *SPOILER ALERTS,* so If you'v...
Aug 19, 2024•2 min
If you missed the E Train Talks 2024 Summer Book Club, you can feel like you were there by watching our engaging and thoughtful book talk about AND THEN, BOOM! by the wonderful author Lisa Fipps! Better yet, the writer herself joined in on the discussion! Hit play and find out more! And, hope to see you in the next book club! E Train Talks 2024 Summer Book Club Featuring AND THEN, BOOM! A profound and meaningful middle-grade novel in verse by award-winning author Lisa Fipps.
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min
THE COLOR OF A LIE by award-winning author Kim Johnson is a distinctive story different from any others I’ve read, a historical fiction social justice thriller that shares truths not taught in the classroom or broadcasted in the media. This is the story of Calvin and his family who must pretend to be white in order to survive, this is the story of a seemingly perfect town, that’s anything but perfect. This is THE COLOR OF A LIE. THE COLOR OF A LIFE is truly a beautiful and profound young adult b...
Aug 19, 2024•2 min
THE BLETCHLEY RIDDLE is a fascinating, mysterious, and all-around awesome story that middle-graders and even young adult readers will enjoy. A swift, engaging and thrilling historical fiction read brought to life by award-winning co-writers Steve Sheinkin and Ruta Sepetys. I learned so much about the Bletchley Estate and some of the incredible minds of the time & the everyday life, both trials and errors of attempts to solve the Enigma Code & other mysteries! From curious protagonists, t...
Aug 19, 2024•3 min
I'm interviewing author Rebecca E.F. Barone, a writer of highly suspenseful, page-turning and entertaining reads, and in this video weare talking about Rebecca's newest middle-grade book, MOUNTAIN OF FIRE: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens! Watch as we talk about Rebecca's newest epic story filled with excitement, facts and shocking personal recounts from those who survived and captured the tragic and historic eruption! E Train Talks, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedic...
Aug 19, 2024•23 min
423 views • Aug 11, 2024Before I started my podcast or interviewing authors, I read and reviewed the heartfelt story, THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE. And since then, I’ve been a huge fan of ALL of author Dan Gemeinhart’s middle-grade stories. Dan is what I like to call a “master storyteller.” He crafts deeply moving tales that fill the heart with tremendous emotion and transports readers directly into the souls of his characters. I’m excited and proud to welcome New York Times best-sel...
Aug 18, 2024•29 min
James Ponti, the masterful author of middle-grade mystery has crafted yet another fun & thrilling series to behold, and this time it's a detective story that fans of adventure and suspense stories are sure to enjoy! Introducing, THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of his newest read, and let me tell you, it is a fast-paced, interesting, and fun-filled read. THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY (Book 1) has everything needed for your reading enjoyment, there's friendship, family and no...
Aug 18, 2024•1 min
I take great pride in sharing my interview with New York Times Best-Selling-Author David Levithan! David’s writing kicked off a renaissance of LGBTQ+ stories in the Young Adult book world. From WIDE AWAKE, to BOY MEETS BOY, David’s advocacy and writing brings hope and book joy to all the world, and his novels have paved the way for other emerging LGBTQIA+ writers to publish stories. Be sure to watch my talk with the incredible author, editor and advocate David Levithan! Thanks for watching my in...
Jul 29, 2024•29 min
You may not know this about me, but I’m a pretty big mythology fan, and my guest, author Katherine Marsh, is too, which is probably why I loved her newest book, MEDUSA, THE MYTH OF MONSTERS. An epic story that takes readers past the world of the Greek Gods, and into the uncharted territory of the intriguing stories behind the Monsters! Award-winning Katherine Marsh is an incredibly talented writer of meaningful, exciting and impactful stories that take you on interesting, thoughtful and fascinat...
Jun 27, 2024•41 min
The very popular social justice & political cartoonist Pan Cooke has amassed over 300,000 followers on Instagram with his powerful & thought-provoking comics! In my interview with Pan, we talk about his incredible middle-grade graphic memoir PUZZLED, which details his journey with OCD! Pan zoomed in all the way from Ireland to share his interesting story and his writing journey! Enjoy our talk & be sure to read Pan's outstanding graphic memoir PUZZLED. A story that shines a much need...
Jun 27, 2024•35 min
An interview full of heart and soul. Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is upon us, and I have the perfect storyteller for us to celebrate this special month. Welcome to my interview with one-and-only Newbery, Geisel and Caldecott Honoree, the wonderfully talented, author Grace Lin. Grace has written & illustrated countless beautiful stories from her middle-grade masterpiece, WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON to CHINESE MENU, a book kids of all ages (and adults) are sure to...
May 19, 2024•39 min
I had a fantastic time talking about the art of storytelling with multi-award-winning author & talented podcaster Adam Gitwitz! Historical fiction will always hold a special place in my reading heart and Adam adds magic, heart, and humor to all his historically fun and fanciful stories. From THE INQUISITOR’S TALE to MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES, all of Adam’s reads keep readers entertained, informed and wanting more! This was a talk I will always remember! Watch and see why! If you want to lear...
Apr 29, 2024•43 min
ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS is a special and needed tale. Celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover, a time of somberness, but also hope, each of the 14 tales, crafted by 14 uniquely talented authors, discuss a certain step of the Passover Seder. From kadesh to nirchatz! It's not often you find a Jewish-themed anthology in the book world, so it makes my heart sing that ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS is out in the world! A perfect read for all who observe the holiday, but also a wonderful way to learn and grow you...
Apr 26, 2024•2 min
We all know I'm a huge historical fiction fan, and HEROES is the perfect combination of excitement, history & truth. New York Times Bestselling author Alan Gratz is a legend of historical fiction, and his newest middle-grade novel discussing Pearl Harbor, takes the cake as one of my top reads of 2024! You'll also find themes of friendship, coming of age, and bravery, all wrapped up PERFECTLY in Alan's newest action-packed middle-grade masterpiece HEROES! An absolute must read!
Apr 26, 2024•2 min
Ever wonder about the agenting side of the publishing world? A day in the life of a literary agent is unlike that of an author, and you might be surprised as to how a literary agent spends a work day! I discovered so much abut the work of a book agent during our lively talk and I know you will too! Learn more about the incredible Agent & Author Ann Rose in our chat!
Apr 26, 2024•25 min
In honor of NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK, it's time to share my chat with the librarian everybody knows and loves, Mychal Threets! Mychal's is an amazing literacy hero who's library joy and kindness have warms the hearts and inspires millions of people all over the Globe! He's kindness has become contagious and he's currently reached over 1.5 million followers on his combined social media platforms. Mychal shares heartwarming tales of library kids and adults he's met & even plans to go in front of ...
Apr 09, 2024•36 min
In MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES, historical fiction just reached a new level with author Adam Gidwitz’s latest, and I dare say, best book ever! Max’s life changes forever after the Nazis take over his home country of Germany, and he's forced to leave his family in a rescue Kindertransport to the UK. You'd think that was enough for one kid to endure, but Max finds himself in an entirely new action packed adventure. He's about to embark on a secret mission to rescue those he left behind! MAX IN THE H...
Apr 09, 2024•3 min
COYOTE LOST AND FOUND is a one of a kind, genuine, heartfelt and compelling read. Author Dan Gemeinhart perfectly encapsulates many of the feelings that can come and go when we experiences loss. Grief is ever changing, no one person feels the same way, and we learn this lesson along with so many more in Coyote's *hopefully not last* journey! A beautifully written companion to the REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE, Dan's newest story LOST AND FOUND gets real in ways most middle-grade books don...
Apr 09, 2024•2 min
Today’s guest has been on my bucket list for a long time, he's an absolute legend in the book world and a storytelling hero to kids all over the globe, I’m talking about the incredible MAX BRALLIER. Max is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of more than fifty books, including the renowned middle-grade series The Last Kids on Earth which, cool fact, has 10 MILLION copies in print! Max's newest fun filled & outrageous book THE LAST COMICS ON EARTH: TOO...
Mar 30, 2024•37 min
Award-winning author Katherine Marsh’s “MEDUSA, THE MYTH OF MONSTERS,” is a truly phenomenal adventure read! I was on the edge of my seat, actively trying to figure o author’s plot twists, exciting moments, and endless adventures in MEDUSA! Whether you’re a mythology fan like me, or just love to dig into a really good fantasy read, MEDUSA, THE MYTH OF MONSTERS, is one fantastical, mythological page-turning middle-grade books you don’t want to miss out on! And, I’m really hoping for a book 2 (hin...
Mar 26, 2024•3 min
One of my all-time favorite interviews! Chris Baron has always supported my literacy journey and I knew I would love chatting with him! A skillful and accomplished poet and author, who has the remarkable gift of writing about sensitive, meaningful and oftentimes painful middle-school topics, in a way that brings comfort and understanding to everyone who reads his stories. I’m so proud to share my talk with the incredible Chris Baron, a lyrical writer and multi-award winning-author, and a Jewish ...
Mar 11, 2024•34 min
What a read!! THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS by award-winning mystery writer Lindsay Currie is a jaw-dropping, fast-paced & AWESOME book! 3 protagonists, 3 puzzling triplets & 1 treasure that will change EVERYTHING! Will Sarah, West & Hannah A.K.A. THE DELTAS do the impossible? Check out Lindsay’s newest suspenseful middle-grade read and unlock your reading curiosity! THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS is such a captivating & fun read! A THRILLER FOR THE AGES! Out 4/2/24! Follow Author Lin...
Mar 09, 2024•2 min
Once in a while a story comes around that changes what books mean to you. This is what happened to me after reading THE COLOR OF SOUND by Emily Barth Isler. THE COLOR OF SOUND is one of the most complex and layered stories I think I’ve ever read in middle-grade. Emily Barth Isler has crafted a book that will keep you on the edge of your reading seat. I had no idea what I was in for and I’m so impressed with how Emily weaved this deeply moving and powerful story together. THE COLOR OF SOUND is a ...
Mar 09, 2024•2 min
These are my bookish thoughts on #FAMOUS, a recently released and groundbreaking Young Adult (YA) novel by author Jilly Gagnon. A story that touches upon the virality and the unexpectedness, the pros and cons, and the crazy adventures that can occur from even the smallest and most innocent online acts. One picture, one post, and one call that will change the lives of two unsuspecting teens, who seem anything but the same, yet soon discover it might just be the opposite. #FAMOUS is so timely and ...
Mar 09, 2024•2 min
I had the incredible privilege of setting down virtually with NYT Bestselling Author and Newbery Medal Winner, Donna Barba Higuera! Donna's stories are multi-award-winning, thought provoking, and culturally rich, her writing is a tapestry of fantasy, mythology, and oftentimes include a dash of sci-fi. Donna’s stories are multi-layered, provocative, and informative masterpieces that have touched my heart and the hearts of readers around the world! Check out my interview with Donna, learn her upco...
Feb 23, 2024•41 min
I'm so excited to be a part of the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour. The Sydney Taylor Book Award Tour features interviews with all of the award-winning authors and illustrators, and I had the honor to interview Sydney Taylor Award Honoree author Joshua S. Levy, the writer behind the extraordinary middle-grade novel, THE JAKE SHOW! Watch my talk with Josh and learn all about his meaningful and engaging Jewish-themed award-winning story, THE JAKE SHOW,...
Feb 09, 2024•26 min
Stacy McAnulty Is one of my all-time favorite middle-grade writers! Even before I started my podcast, or began reviewing books, I devoured her novels! From fantasy, to realistic fiction, to mystery, and everything in between, Stacy's writing covers it all, and I was fortunate enough to get the chance to sit down virtually with this kidlit writing legend! This is my chat with the creator of over 40 books written for children and young people, the award-winning author Stacy McAnulty! If you want t...
Feb 08, 2024•30 min
