E Train Talks

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 Bestselling Author Brad MeltzerWhether you’re a history buff, aspiring writer, or just someone who loves books that read like thrillers, this conversation is full of insight, storytelling, and inspiration.Watch now and discover the secret side of history!Check out Josh Mensch's fascinating books:THE FIRST CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL GEORGE WASHINGTON, NYT BESTSELLER THE LINCOLN CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL AMERICA’S 16TH PRESIDENT—AND WHY IT FAILED, NYT BESTSELLERTHE NAZI CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL ROOSEVELT, STALIN, AND CHURCHILL, NYT BESTSELLER THE JFK CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL KENNEDY: AND WHY IT FAILED, NYT BESTSELLER

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 be a timeless favorite among children’s literature.Kate DiCamillo is a two-time Newbery Medal winner and the author of many beloved children's books, including THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, FLORA & ULYSSES and the MERCY WATSON series. In this interview, we revisit the magic of BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, explore the inspirations behind many of her heartfelt stories, and talk about Kate's incredible writing journey. Kate DiCamillo is a writing legend; whether you grew up with WINN-DIXIE, connected with DESPEREAUXor, or are discovering Kate’s work for the first time, this 25th anniversary interview is a celebration you won’t want to miss!Thank you for watching my interview with author Kate DiCamillo. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to join us for more inspiring conversations with your favorite authors and creators.

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 heart, humor, and sharp insight, Rubin's crafted a story that is both futuristic and deeply personal. Watch my book review to find out more!"Acclaimed author Lance Rubin makes his middle grade debut with a hilariously terrifying, terrifyingly hilarious story of a boy who gets more than he bargained for when he creates an A.I. best friend. "I highly recommend ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND to anyone who loves sci-fi, coming-of-age stories, or anyone who has ever felt like an outsider searching for their place in the world. I couldn't put this book down! A 10/10 MUST-READ!

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 into! It's a story that teachers are going to have to keep a sign up sheet for, it's that good! Title: SO OVER SHARINGAuthor: Elissa Brent WeissmanPublisher: Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random HouseBook Reviewer: Ethan (E Train)

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't take my word for it, see for yourself, as you sit back, relax and dive into our book talk! Enjoy!Naomi Millner's Books:"Jake and the King of Chaos""On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories""The Trouble with Secrets"Be sure to watch my interview with Author Naomi Millner, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to E Train Talks for more inspiring author interviews, book discussions, and literary celebrations!

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 mention, her stories are marvelous! To add to the specialness of the day, I met up with JaNay at Oak Park's "Underground Books," a legendary independent bookstore who's gorgeous shelves are filled with an amazingly diverse collection of beautiful stories, many celebrating black authors and creators for every age reader!Thank you JaNay Brown-Wood and Underground Books for a day I'll always remember! BOOKS CHANGE LIVES!Be sure to watch my interview with Author JaNay Brown-Woods, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to E Train Talks for more inspiring author interviews, book discussions, and literary celebrations!E Train Talks, Inc.Founder & Host: Ethan Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 14-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. Find out more about E Train's journey at: www.etraintalks.org

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 Mystery of Locked Rooms! Click play and tune into my interview as we uncover some of the secrets behind Lindsay’s incredible storytelling! Be sure to watch my interview with Author Lindsay Currie, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to E Train Talks for more inspiring author interviews, book discussions, and literary celebrations!E Train Talks, Inc.Founder & Host: Ethan Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 14-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. Find out more about E Train's journey at: www.etraintalks.org

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 friendship. I read RACING THE CLOUDS - cover to cover - in just one sitting, it’s that good! RACING THE CLOUDS is an impactful and meaningful 10/10 story that deserves a special book review. Let’s dive in! Watch my review to find out more!Title: RACING THE CLOUDSAuthor: Sydney DunlapPublisher: North Star Editions / Jolly Fish PressBook Reviewer: Ethan (E Train)E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 14-year-old award-winning literacy advocate, podcast host, 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

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! Join me during Jewish American Heritage Month as we celebrate Heidi's 20 years of lifting up voices, sharing Jewish stories, and making a difference, one story at a time! To find out more about the "Book of Life Podcast, A Podcast About Jewish Kidlit, (Mostly)" or start diving into episodes, click here: https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/Thanks for watching my interview with Heidi Rabinowitz! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to E Train Talks for more inspiring author interviews, book discussions, and literary celebrations!

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 Rob Kutner! Rob is a former writer for The Daily Show and Conan, and the author of books such as APOCALYPSE HOW, THE FUTURE ACCORDING TO ME, and his newest novel, THE JEWS: 5000 YEARS AND COUNTING! This was a talk to remember! I had the best time learning about Rob Kutner's amazing writing journey, and you will too! Be sure to watch and subscribe!"Rob Kutner has won 5 Emmys, a Peabody, a TCA, and a Grammy writing for such shows as TBS' “CONAN” and “THE DAILY SHOW with Jon Stewart; co-created the fact-based comedy TV show “GANDER“; and is currently Head Writer for the independent interfaith action-comedy animated show “GOD'SGANG.”"Thanks for watching my interview with Author Rob Kutner! I hope you learned something new today, I know I did! If you enjoyed our talk, please do me a favor and like this video, and while you're at it, subscribe to my YouTube channel! Thanks

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 to even YA not to mention you'll learn how her middle-grade novel FLIPPED was transformed into a Rob Reiner directed motion picture, but that's just the start, during our talk, Wendelin shares many more fun and meaningful details about her incredible writing journey! Enjoy my interview with a true writing wonder, Wendelin Van Draanen! Thanks for watching my interview with Author Wendelin Van Draanen! I hope you learned something new today, I know I did! If you enjoyed our talk, please do me a favor and like this video, and while you're at it, please subscribe to my YouTube channel! Thanks!E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 14-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. Find out more about E Train's journey at: www.etraintalks.org

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 THE MYTH OF MONSTERS series, and I’m hoping it won’t be the last! Be sure to check out THE MYTH OF MONSTERS: GOD’S CURSE, you’re going to love it! It’s a 10/10! A new favorite 2025 read!Special Note — A big thank you to Katherine Marsh for mentioning me in the acknowledgments of this fantastic read! Very grateful!Title: THE MYTH OF MONSTERS: GOD’S CURSE Author: Katherine MarshPublisher: Storytide, an imprint of HarperCollinsBook reviewer: Ethan ( E Train)

New book alert! Award-winning middle-grade author Marthe Jocelyn has just published a new book, it’s not her usual middle-grade mystery thriller, this story is written specifically for older readers. It’s a short read that is sure to keep teens AND young adults entertained! With a quick and powerful fiery reading punch, this is ONE KISS, a short 114-page book that’s packed with everything needed for a compelling and extremely intriguing- can’t take your eyes off the pages- book! One kiss… one Photograph... one night that changes everything. Marthe’s writing pulls you in right from the start. ONE KISS is 114 pages filled cover to cover with everything needed to keep readers engaged and wanting more! There’s exposition, drama, friendship, and that one moment that changes lives forever. What else can you ask for? Watch my review for more of the reading scoop and then find yourself a copy of ONE KISS. A book written with every type of reader in mind, even the reluctant kind. Title: ONE KISSAuthor: Marthe JocelynPublisher: Orca Book PublishersReviewer: Ethan (E Train)

THE JFK CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL KENNEDY―AND WHY IT FAILED by the New York Times Bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch is a fascinating deep dive into a lesser known, yet highly detailed assassination plan to take the life of President elect John F. Kennedy. In THE JFK CONSPIRACY, Meltzer and Mensch touch upon many intriguing details, whether it's the assassination attempt on JFK, the inner workings of the presidency, or the presidential transition between one candidate to another. THE JFK CONSPIRACY is not the first book I've read by this amazing writing due, and it won't be my last! Authors Meltzer and Mensch entertain and inform readers with powerful and intriguing stories that aren’t always spotlighted in the history books. 5 stars, 10/10Title: THE JFK CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL KENNEDY―AND WHY IT FAILEDAuthors: Brad Meltzer and Josh MenschPublisher: Flatiron Books, a division of MacmillanBook Review by: Ethan (E Train)Thanks for watching my book review. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel! Find out more about my journey at www.etraintalks.comE Train Talks, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a love of reading & helping end children's book deserts in underserved communities. Find out more about my journey at: www.etraintalks.com

April is National School Library Month, the perfect time to celebrate the many ways librarians transform lives and strengthen communities. Since this month is all about amazing librarians, I thought it would be fitting to meet and speak with one of my own personal library heroes, my friend and role model, the School Library Journal, 2016 School Librarian of the Year, and author Todd Burleson! Todd spends his days inspiring kids to love reading! From organizing fantastic author events and creating student book clubs, to celebrating diverse and inclusive reads, to book blogging, and so much more, Todd spends his days fighting for literacy and justice for all! Be sure to watch my interview of Todd and learn more about his incredible journey! It's inspirational to say the least!Thanks for watching my interview with Todd Buerlson! If you enjoyed this video, please give it a LIKE and SUBCRIBE to my channel! You can also follow me on social media and at www.etraintalks.comE Train Talks, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit found by Ethan (E Train), a 14 year-year-old literacy advocate dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and helping end book deserts in under-served communities.

Every so often I come across a book that breaks the traditional middle-grade literature storytelling mold. This is one of those stories. WHALE EYES: A MEMOIR ABOUT SEEING AND BEING SEEN by by Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson & artist Brian Rea have crafted a novel that embodies the term “windows and mirrors Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson has written a novel that embodies the term “windows and mirrors.” Through unique, creative & thought-provoking writing, James Robinson shows readers an inside view of his heart, mind & experiences with a disabling eye condition that makes it impossible for him to see the world the way everyone else does.Title: WHALE EYES: A MEMOIR ABOUT SEEING AND BEING SEENAuthor: James RobinsonIllustrator: Brian ReaPublisher: Penguin WorkshopBook Review: Ethan ( E Train)Thanks for watching my book review. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a THUMBS UP & SUBSCRIBE to my channel. E Train Talks, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit found by Ethan (E Train), a 14 year-year-old literacy advocate dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and helping end book deserts in under-served communities.

April is National Poetry Month & I’m celebrating by sharing my newest book review of THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by New York Times Bestselling author Kate Messner. THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is one of my top 2025 favorite reads!A moving & inspiring novel-in-verse that is a healing force for #kidlit readers who are experiencing or have experienced loss and grief. Sometimes it can be difficult to let go, and sometimes the sadness in our hearts can turn into anger & resentment. THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is a story… a guide… that demonstrates how one grieving son finds a way to reconnect with his Dad after losing him. I loved this heartfelt, entertaining & inspiring story. From shining a light on the power of working through & overcoming grief, to some heart-stopping mountain climbing adventures, THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is truly an inspirational middle-grade coming of age tale. On a personal note, Messner’s descriptive & captivating writing even inspired me to start hiking. Thanks for watching my book review of IT'S WATCHING. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel!Title: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROESAuthor: Kate MessnerPublisher: Bloomsbury Children’s BooksBy: Ethan (E Train)Find out more about my journey at www.etraintalks.com E Train Talks, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a love of reading in children of all ages and helping end children's book deserts in underserved communities.

If you’re looking for a story that combines history, pop culture and comedic timing, then I’ve got a book for you! THE JEWS 5,000; YEARS AND COUNTING by Emmy, Peabody& Grammy-Winning author Rob Kutner is the perfect read for anyone interested in learning about the history & culture of the Jewish people. THE JEWS: 5,000 YEARS AND COUNTING is a story that I personally hope all middle-graders & adults will read!Title: The Jews: 5,000 Years and CountingAuthor: Rob KutnerPublisher: Wicked SonReviewer: Ethan (E Train)“A delightful companion to the Torah, the Talmud, and every history book every written about the Jewish people…a perfect book for anyone who has ever wondered how the heck the Jews got here and where the heck are we going and is it okay to laugh about it all? I’ll follow Kutner to the answer.” —Mayim Bialik, Actor, Author, NeuroscientistE Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 14-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. Find out more about E Train's journey at: www.etraintalks.org

Welcome to my talk with author Kate Messner, the multi- award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of fascinating nonfictional series like, HISTORY SMASHERS, which dives deep into the mysteries of history, as well as over 70 other amazing picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels! Kate has received many awards, from the E.B. White Read Aloud Award, Golden Kite and Crystal Kite Awards, to the Riverby Award for Natural History Writing, to many more! In this episode of E Train Talks, we'll dig into the story behind Kate's newest middle-grade novel-in-verse THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES, a favorite 2025 read of mine, as well as discuss more of Kate's phenomenal stories! Kate Messner is a legend in the middle-grade storytelling world, and as someone who’s always loved learning about history and trivia from her books, it is an incredible honor to speak to Kate. So be sure to hit "play" and turn the pages of Kate's writing journey with me!Thanks for watching my interview with Author Kate Messner! I hope you learned something new today, I know I did! If you enjoyed our talk, please do me a favor and like this video, and while you're at it, please subscribe to my YouTube channel! Thanks!E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 14-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. Find out more about E Train's journey at: www.etraintalks.org

I had the incredible honor of reading an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES: A TALE OF WORLD WAR II, by NYT Bestselling author Adam Gidwitz. After reading book 1, MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES: A TALE OF WORLD WAR II, I didn't think there'd be any way to top such a powerful read, but if anyone could write an equally fantastic read, it's Adam Gidwitz! MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES is a fast-paced, intriguing book that keeps readers engaged, interested and invested in this inspiring middle-grade historical fiction read, while also teaching kids important WWII facts that they might otherwise not be exposed to. As a huge history lover and a reader, I can tell you that MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES is a must read, that kids need access to!I highly recommend reading MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES & MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES. This series is an absolute favorite of mine. Stories that will pass the test of time! Thank you Adam. The world needs these important books, especially new generations of readers!Title: Max in the Land of Lies: A Tale of World War IIAuthor: Adam Gidwitz Part of: Operation Kinderspion (2 books)Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers, part of Penguin Publishing GroupOut on February 25, 2025Book Review By: E Train (Ethan)Thanks for watching my book review. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel! Find out more about my journey at www.etraintalks.com