E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

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 LOCKE...

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 impr...

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 se...

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 touche...

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 wit...

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 ove...

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!...

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 historic...

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...

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 Gyllenh...

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-fict...

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 alwa...

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 abl...

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 jo...

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 N...

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...

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 en...

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...

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!

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 Kir...

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...

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 esc...

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...

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...

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! Wat...