E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

In this video, I’m sharing my thoughts on EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST by Frederick Joseph, a powerful Young Adult novel that releases on October 20, 2026.In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m highlighting EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST because of its deeply emotional and important themes surrounding grief, guilt, and mental illness. This story follows Ella as she navigates overwhelming loss, gui...

In my newest interview, I’m talking with bestselling British author and illustrator Katie Kirby! Katie is best known for creating the hugely popular LOTTIE BROOKS middle-grade series, which first launched in 2021 with THE EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING LIFE OF LOTTIE BROOKS.The LOTTIE BROOKS series has sold more than 1.6 million copies in the U.K., and Katie’s books have been compared to such hit series a...

WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE is a phenomenal young adult / upper middle-grade graphic novel written by librarian Jarrett Dapier and illustrated by AJ DungoAn empowering graphic novel inspired by the true story of a group of Chicago high students who stand up together and fight to overturn the system-wide ban of Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.“WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE” IS A NATIONAL BESTSELLER & A BOOKLIST...

THE BLUE DRESS by author Rebecca Morrison is the perfect #kidlit story for anyone who’s felt like they don’t fit in or for readers trying to understand the daily struggles tweens and teens are going through. The story follows 12-year-old Yasmin Safavi, an Iranian American girl navigating body image issues, the pressure of her mother’s strict cultural expectations, and the emotional stresses of fri...

John Masiulionis is the founder of PR From The Heart, a leading PR firm in children’s literature, where he helps storytellers from well-known performers to acclaimed authors grow their platforms and share meaningful stories. John is also the author of the award-winning children’s picture book "Walking Each Other Home: Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children," inspired by his personal e...

I’ve been interviewing authors for over four years, and this is my very first Passover Panel. I couldn’t be more excited to bring together such an incredible group of storytellers for a lively, meaningful, and festive conversation. In this special episode, we’re celebrating the middle-grade anthology ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS: A PASSOVER CELEBRATION IN 14 STORIES. Joining me from across the country are...

I am deeply honored to share my interview with the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner Marcella Pixley, author of the middle-grade book, NESHAMA. Marcella Pixley is the the talented storyteller behind the profoundly meaningful middle-grade novel-in-verse, NESHAMA, and I'm so grateful to have the privledge to interviewer her. Marcella puts her heart and soul into her writing and it shows in he...

These are my thoughts on Neshama, the beautiful, award-winning middle-grade novel in verse by Marcella Pixley. Neshama, a Hebrew word meaning “soul,” “spirit,” or “breath,” is deeply rooted in Jewish spirituality, and it is the perfect title for such a meaningful, healing story. There is so much more I could say about this soulful novel in verse, but I highly recommend picking up a copy at your lo...

Purim is almost here, and I’ve the perfect way to start preparing for the holiday fun! Watch my interview to discover three brand new Purim themed stories that bring the holiday to life for young readers. In this special episode, I'm interviewing three wonderful children’s book authors: Nancy Churnin, Barbara Kimmel, and Varda Livney. Their stories beautifully capture Jewish holidays and tradi...

I’m excited to be hosting a special children's author panel conversation celebrating Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, a eco-friendly holiday that invites us to reflect on growth, roots, and our connection to the natural world.🌳📚I’m honored to be interviewing three children’s book creators whose special Tu B’Shvat themed stories engage toddlers, young readers and families alike....

In this interview I speak with one of my favorite storytellers, award-winning author Torrey Maldonado! Torrey is a light in the darkness, and in the words of the great Maya Angelou, he's a "rainbow" in the world's cloud, spreading joy and positivity everywhere he goes, including in his books! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a light on his first picture book JUST...

My talk with New York Times Bestselling author Lance Rubin was nothing short of legendary! From deep talks about the pros and cons of AI, to a fun look back at his career in theater, to the celebration of his latest stories, this interview had it all! Lance is the author of the “Denton Little’s Death Date” a page turning phenomenal YA series, as well as a brand-new fantastic middle-grade book enti...

WELCOME TO MY HANUKKAH HEROES 2025 AUTHOR PANEL! In this video, I'm speaking with five wonderful Jewish storytellers, authors and illustrators, who've brought some of the sweetest and most meaningful Festival of Lights books to life. Their stories brighten the season for young readers from preschool through middle school. I invite you to join in the Hanukkah reading celebration, as we peek...

Welcome to another exciting episode of E Train Talks, where I sit down with history expert, acclaimed writer, and documentary producer Josh Mensch! Josh is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of gripping historical nonfiction stories uncovering real-life secret plots and assassination attempts throughout American history. Books full of intrigue and history lessons co-authored with NYT Bestsel...

This episode is a truly special celebration! I’m honored to sit down virtually with award-winning children's author Kate DiCamillo for an exclusive interview commemorating the 25th anniversary of her beloved debut novel, BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE. First published in 2000, this timeless story of friendship, love, and belonging has touched millions of young readers around the world and continues to...

This is my book review of ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND, a captivating coming-of-age middle-grade masterpiece by New York Times Bestselling Author Lance Rubin. ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND is an unforgettable reading journey of self-discovery, a story that explores the ins and outs of true friendship, learning to embrace who you are, and reclaiming authentic connections. With a unique blend of hear...

SO OVER SHARING is a relatable and timely middle-grade read (a must read)! With a powerful storyline centering around the mental and emotional harm that can occur behind the scenes of family content creation channels, Weissman crafted a relevant, fast-paced, and highly entertaining read! SO OVER SHARING is book that I know teens, tweens and content creators of all ages will have no trouble diving...

I’m very excited to share my interview with the wonderful author Naomi Milliner. Naomi writes heartwarming, coming-of-age stories that truly touch the soul. I've been following Naomi's writing since my podcast journey began and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to dig into the stories behind her deeply meaningful tales. I highly recommend reading Naomi Milliner's books, but don&...

It was such a treat to interview award-winning children’s author, poet, and educator, Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood in-person! JaNay is a phenomenal human being, and her books are a representation of that, filled with rhymes, lyrics, and meaning! Tune into my talk with Dr. Brown-Wood and learn more about this phenomenal advocate for literacy and see why she's loved and respected by so many! Not to ment...

In this episode of E Train Talks, we’re traveling into the suspenseful and captivating world of middle-grade mysteries with none other than #1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Lindsay Currie! Lindsay keeps middle-grade readers (myself included) on the edge of their seats with spooky, eerie and heartfelt tales like, The Girl in White, What Lives in the Woods, and her incredible Myst...

This is not the first book I’ve read by author Sydney Dunlap, in fact, Sydney changed the middle-grade story-writing game when she featured themes of social media and human trafficking in her last book, IT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY. And now Sydney Dunlap is back with another incredible middle-grade read, RACING THE CLOUDS, an impactful and honest story detailing drug abuse, family trauma, and friendshi...

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! Jo...

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 R...

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 t...

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...