E Train Talks

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!

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 THE MIDNIGHT CHILDREN enough. I’m so glad I read it, and if you’ve yet to read Dan’s stories, I’d say the time has come! 10 out of 10! Follow Dan's book journey at: http://dangemeinhart.com/index.html Hope you grab your own copy of THE MIDNIGHT CHILDREN or locate a copy of at your nearest library at: https://worldcat.org/ Thank you for watching my book review. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like & subscribe to my channel! Follow my journey at www.etraintalks.com

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 to share a Hanukkah reading on the air with The Mensch on The Bench, to giving me my own Good Day Sacramento book review segment And now, here I am interviewing him in the amazing Good Day TV studio! I’m so glad I get to share Cody’s story with all of you! Seriously, if you’ve never watched his segments on TV then you are missing out on what I call, “peak cinema!” You can follow Cody's journey on social media, YouTube, and of course, weekly on Good Day Sacramento on CBS! Thanks for watching my talk with Cody Stark! If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like & subscribe to my channel! You can also follow me on www.etraintalks.com

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 MY INTERVIEW WITH LINDSEY LEIGH! Find out more about Lindsey right here: https://www.lindseyleighart.com/about Locate THE DEEP! WILD LIFE AT THE OCEAN’S DARKEST DEPTHS at your nearest library here: https://www.worldcat.org/title/1346847282 Thanks for watching my interview with Lindsey Leigh! If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like and subscribe to my channel! Thanks! Follow me at: www.etraintalks.com

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; THE NOT SO CHOSEN ONE! Don't forget to leave a like and subscribe for more author interviews! Follow Andrew Auseon's writing journey at: www.andrewauseon.com Thanks for watching!

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 middle-grade historical fiction, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, Sharon Flake empowers the voices of young black kids and readers off all backgrounds! Her words inspire growth and spark courage in the hearts of her readers. Years after her first published story, Sharon is still impacting the lives of book lovers all over the globe! A kind human and an award-winning author, Sharon G. Flake is one of my favorite & sweetest guests I've had the honor of talking to on E Train Talks! Find out more about Sharon's books at: www.sharongflake.com Thanks for watching my interview with the incredible author Sharon G. Flake. I hope you enjoyed this video, please give it a like and subscribe to my YouTube channel! Follow my journey at www.etraintalks.com

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 epic out of this world tale, with a curious protagonist, a hidden alien, and meaningful life lessons woven into this spectacular story! His Young Adult debut PROMISE BOYS is a thrilling story of three boys, all prime suspects in a school related murder. There's betrayal, friendship, drama, and much more, all packed into this mystery masterpiece! But don't take my word for it! Watch my interview with the man, the myth, and the legend, NICK BROOKS! Thanks for watching my interview with Nick Brooks. You can follow Nick's journey at: www.thenickbrooks.com If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like and subscribe to my channel!

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 her amazing books in our engaging discussion! What are you waiting for? Watch my interview with the sensational writer & #1 NYT Bestseller, HOLLY BLACK! Follow Holly Black's writing journey at: www.blackholly.com P.S. Don't forget to leave a like & subscribe for more interviews!

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 enjoyed this book review, please follow my podcast for more.

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 picture book, AMAZlNG! If you enjoyed this interview, please follow my podcast for more. Thanks!

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 Golden Book about Oprah Winfrey! There's so much to learn from author Alliah L. Agostini! Come celebrate and open your heart & mind with us! Alliah's work has been featured on CNN, the TODAY Show, GoodHouseKeeping, and more. You can follow Alliah's journey on social media and on her website at: www.alliahagostini.com Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video don't forget to leave a like and subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep up-to-date on my newest interviews and book reviews! Thanks, E Train

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 and Nico Di Angelo discover just how powerful and important love is!

10/10, you need to read Rick & Mark's middle-grade masterpiece!

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 social media and at: www.michaelleali.com *If you enjoyed this video, please give it a "like" and subscribe to my channel. Thanks for watching!

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 it only takes one person, one voice, at any age, to spark change! Muzoon Almellehan is a true hero & I hope her story finds a home on all classroom & library shelves!

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

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 YouTube channel, so be sure to watch our talk! Follow Dan Gutman's writing journey at www.dangutman.com Thanks so much for watching & If you enjoyed my book review, please like, share, and subscribe to my channel. Follow me at www.etraintalks.com

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.

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 all time favorite writing and everything books heroes! Follow Steve's writing journey on social media and at: www.stevesheinkin.com/

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 all things bugs and biology!

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

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's writing journey: www.torreymaldonado.com

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!

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

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!

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

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 novel, and an author interview that's sure to make you smile, you're in the right book place!

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!

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

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!

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! 

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!

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 for many of his incredible film and writing projects.

Show less

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 MG genre. The end, well, not just yet. In fact, she’s just getting started. If you're a fan of fairy tales with a twist, Disney, and everything books, you'll love my book chat with Jen!

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 else can I say, listen to my book review of Project X and find out why you'll want to escape into this captivating read ASAP! E Train out! 

Nothing special ever happens in Chokecherry, Colorado, And,  when I say nothing, I mean nothing, but what’s usually a dormant little town in the middle of nowhere, will soon go viral internationally. They’ll be recognized on the news, social media, and so much more, but not for something wonderful or spectacular, not for something anyone will be proud of, no, not for anything good at all.

Intrigued? Listen to my book review, and then find yourself a copy of "Linked" by Gordon Korman to learn more! Trust me, you won't regret it!

I’m THRILLED to have talked with the author behind the thrilling, fantasy fiction, adventure quest, SECRET OF THE SHADOW BEASTS! I’m referring to the award-winning middle-grade author, Diane Magras!! Diane is the author of The New York Times Editors' Choice, The Mad Wolf's Daughter, as well as its companion novel, The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter, and now her newest novel, SECRET OF THE SHADOW BEASTS, WHICH CAME OUT IN in June. I read, more like devoured, and reviewed Diane’s Secret of the Shadow Beasts! If you love adventure, battles, and kids saving the world, you'll love all of Diane's middle-grade reads!