E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

I’m excited and extremely proud to welcome two amazing storytellers and Earth Heroes who have come together to tackle one of the biggest issues facing our planet, the climate crisis.Meet Meera Subramanian and Danica Novgorodoff.Meera is an award winning environmental journalist, author, and National Geographic Explorer who has spent much of her career writing about climate change, our environment, and the people affected by it.Danica is an award winning artist, writer, and New York Times bestselling illustrator. Together, they bring their unique perspectives and talents to this important conversation about our planet and the climate crisis. Meera and Danica combined their passion for the environment, knowledge, and incredible talent to create A BETTER WORLD IS POSSIBLE: GLOBAL YOUTH CONFRONT THE CLIMATE CRISIS, a powerful nonfiction graphic novel that explores the realities of climate change through the stories of four young climate activists from around the world.Through the real stories of teen climate activists, stunning illustrations, and eye opening statistics about rising global temperatures and the impacts of environmental disasters, Meera and Danica connect the science of climate change with the human lives it is already affecting.As part of my E Train Talks Environmental Literacy Initiative, I visit classrooms, share eco-friendly books, and talk with students about simple ways we can care for our planet and take action on climate change. A BETTER WORLD IS POSSIBLE fits perfectly with the mission of E Train Talks Earth and the work I’m doing to help young people understand that they can make a difference.With their knowledge, creativity, and passion, Meera and Danica have given readers a meaningful way to connect with both the realities of the climate crisis and the solutions that are within our reach. I hope you’ll watch my thoughtful and insightful conversation with these two incredible humans!Be sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪‪‪​⁠ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders!Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday teen leader. E Train is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation.

In his first graphic memoir, MEXIKID, Pedro Martín introduced readers to the unforgettable story of his childhood, family, and a memorable road trip to Mexico. The book went on to receive a Newbery Honor and the Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Awards.Now Pedro is back with MEXIKID DREAMS, and readers once again get to step into the life of young Pedro as he dreams about his future and hopes for a life beyond sharecropping in the strawberry fields.I had such a great time talking with award-winning author and illustrator Pedro Martín about his childhood, his family, and the experiences that eventually found their way into his books. We also talked about his creative journey and something you might not know: before becoming the creator of the critically acclaimed MEXIKID books, Pedro spent more than two decades as an artist at Hallmark! There is so much to learn about Pedro and the stories behind his stories. And, of course, we talk about MEXIKID DREAMS, with some fun sneak peeks into what readers can expect from Pedro’s newest adventure. This was such a fun and interesting conversation. I hope you’ll check it out!MEXIKID DREAMS arrives in the book world on September 1, 2026. Be sure to continue the MEXIKID adventure with book two!Here's where to find out more about Pedro Martin's book journey: https://pedromartinbooks.comBe sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪‪@etraintalks‬ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders!Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday teen leader. E Train is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation.

Celebrating 5 years of E Train Talks with Terri Libenson!I’m so excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author, illustrator, and award-winning cartoonist Terri Libenson to E Train Talks!Terri is the creator of the hugely popular EMMIE & FRIENDS middle-grade series, which blends words, illustrations, and Terri's unique graphic-novel storytelling, while exploring friendship, anxiety, bullying, and the ups and downs of middle school.Terri’s creative journey started long before EMMIE & FRIENDS! We also talk about her work with American Greetings, including L’Chaim, a line of humorous Jewish greeting cards, and her award-winning syndicated comic strip, THE PAJAMA DIARIES.And, most of all, in our Q&A, Terri takes us on a deep dive into her New York Times bestselling EMMIE & FRIENDS series, sharing stories behind many of the books and characters, her creative process, how she brings those characters to life, and the real middle-school experiences woven throughout her stories.And, of course, we talk about her newest book, SERIOUSLY, CELIA?, the 10th book in the EMMIE & FRIENDS series!I had such a fun time talking with Terri, and I’m excited to share our conversation as part of my 5-year E Train Talks celebration! Be sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪‪​⁠ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders!Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday teen leader. E Train is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation.

The hopes of humanity rest on the shoulders of one chess player. It's May 1997 in Manhattan, New York. World champion Garry Kasparov is about to begin a six-game chess match against Deep Blue, the cutting edge IBM supercomputer.MIND VS MACHINE, a middle-grade graphic novel by ​⁠Steve Sheinkin and Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and illustrated by Thien Pham, offers a unique perspective on one of the most consequential sporting events, if you will, in recent history.What stood out to me after reading MIND VS MACHINE is how people 20 years ago were asking very similar questions as today. With the pros and cons of AI currently on everyone's mind, MIND VS MACHINE connects the past to the present in a meaningful and fascinating way. The illustrations are expressive, detailed, and help set the tone of the story. An all-around phenomenal read, in one of my favorite styles of writing, the graphic novel!Watch my book review to hear more about the story and why I think MIND VS MACHINE is a must-read!If you love discovering books that stay with you long after you have finished reading, I think this is one you will want to add to your reading list. Out in September 2026Title: MIND VS MACHINEAuthor: Steve Sheinkin and Maurice AshleyIllustrated by: Thein PhamPublisher: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group Book Reviewer: Ethan Minton ‪​⁠ Be sure to subscribe to E Train Talks Books for more book reviews and recommendations!Please note: This review includes - a few spoilers - some details about the story.Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪@etraintalks‬ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders!Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan Minton (known as E Train), when he was just 11 years old. Today, Ethan is a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and kindness promoter. E Train Talks is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train Talks Literacy Initiative sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, Ethan not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation. Follow Ethan's journey at at: www.etraintalks.org

WELCOME TO 5 YEARS OF E TRAIN: Celebrating the World of Books!To kick off the celebration, I’m sharing my interview with award-winning children’s author and playwright @erindealey3097!Erin Dealey is a wonderful human and an incredibly talented storyteller. She has written more than 20 picture books filled with humor, heart, creativity, and stories that really connect with readers.I was so happy to have Erin join me for a fun and meaningful conversation about her journey as an author, where her ideas come from, and what goes into creating a picture book. Erin also shares some great stories about her writing process and how her books make their way from an idea to the finished story we get to read.Some of Erin’s many books include DEAR EARTH...FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN ROOM 5, SNOW GLOBE WISHES, BABIES COME FROM AIRPORTS, JUST FLOWERS, SQUIRREL DRAWS BIG FEELINGS, GOLDIE LOCKS HAS CHICKEN POX, and many more!Erin has also been a huge supporter of my literacy journey over the years. She is someone who truly celebrates authors, readers, educators, and the children’s book community as a whole, and I’m really grateful to have her as part of the E Train journey.Watch my interview with Erin to learn more about her books, her writing journey, and the stories behind the stories! You can also discover more of Erin's picture books on her website at: https://erindealey.com/Be sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪​⁠ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders!Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday teen leader. E Train is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation.