E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

Welcome to TEENtober!

Every October, public and school libraries across the country celebrate TEENtober, a month-long celebration that highlights teens, their voices, and the importance of reading.

I'm celebrating TEENtober with a special E Train Talks interview featuring Christina Chatel and Marcia Kochel, the founders of IT'S TIME FOR YOUNG TEEN LIT, a movement advocating for a dedicated book category that bridges the gap between middle grade and young adult literature.

Christina, a middle-school librarian librarian in Troy, Michigan, who began advocating for a dedicated book category bridging middle grade and young adult fiction, and Marcia, a school librarian in Georgia who shared the same vision as Christina and joined forces to launch the TEEN LIT movement.

In this episode, we discuss why libraries, bookstores, and publishers should recognize Young Teen Lit as its own category, and why it's so important for teens to have access to stories that reflect their interests, experiences, and challenges.

This conversation really hits home for me because, as a teen reader myself, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find books that are engaging, relatable, and right for my age.

Join me for a great conversation with Christina and Marcia, two passionate librarians who are working to bring more attention to the need for engaging, age-appropriate books for younger teens, because every teen deserves to discover stories that speak to them and make them excited about reading!

To find out more or support the young teen cause, check out the IT'S TIME FOR YOUNG TEEN LIT website at: https://youngteenlit.com/

#itstimeforyoungteenlit

Celebrating five years of E Train Talks with Steve Sheinkin on National Chess Day!

What happens when the greatest chess player in the world faces off against a supercomputer capable of calculating millions of moves in seconds?

In this episode of E Train Talks, I’m excited to welcome back New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin to talk about his newest book, Mind vs. Machine: The Chess Match That Changed the World!

Co-written with chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and illustrated by award-winning graphic novelist Thien Pham, this incredible graphic novel tells the true story of one of the most fascinating chess matches in history, when world champion Garry Kasparov faced off against IBM’s supercomputer, Deep Blue.

Steve and I talk about the history behind the match, the rise of artificial intelligence, and what makes this story so interesting, even if you don’t play chess!

And since this episode is going live on National Chess Day, what better way to celebrate than with a chess match of our own? Stick around until the end to watch Steve and me face off at the chessboard! Who will come out on top? You’ll have to watch to find out!

Be sure to like this video and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations!

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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/4938608

E 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.

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/4938608

E 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.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. ‪‪@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/4938608

E 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/4938608

E 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 2026

Title: MIND VS MACHINE

Author: Steve Sheinkin and Maurice Ashley

Illustrated by: Thein Pham

Publisher: 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/4938608

E 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/4938608

E 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.

With Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY now in theaters, I’m going back to the legendary story that started it all, but this time in graphic novel form!

In this E Train Talks Books review, I’m taking a look at THE ODYSSEY: A GRAPHIC NOVEL: DELUXE EDITION, written and illustrated by ​⁠ Gareth Hinds and published by ​⁠.

Hinds transforms Homer’s ancient Greek epic into an exciting and understandable visual adventure filled with gods, monsters, danger, and unforgettable challenges. From Poseidon and Circe to Scylla and Charybdis, this graphic novel brings Odysseus’s legendary journey home to life for all types of readers!

The illustrations are incredible, the mythology is all here, and Percy Jackson fans should definitely check this one out! 5 STARS! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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. ​⁠

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/4938608

E 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. Follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.org

Welcome to my new book review series "Question in a Bottle." This is an E Train Talks video series where I answer questions about interesting upper-middle grade or YA books I've read and recommend!

And in this episode, I'm spotlighting DOUBLE CROSSED: THE WWII SPIES WHO SAVED D-DAY!

DOUBLE CROSSED: THE WWII SPIES WHO SAVED D-DAY by Rebecca E. F. Barone feels like you're stepping straight into a real-life spy mission, yet it's a true, nonfunctional novel.

DOUBLE CROSSED is an action-packed retelling of “Operation Bodyguard," the covert operation of double agents and spies that worked behind the scenes and risked their lives to help fool the Nazis during World War II.

If you’re looking for a middle-grade nonfiction story that reads like a thriller, then DOUBLE CROSSED is definitely a book to check out! 10/10

These are my spontaneous answers to questions written by mom to help share my thoughts on this very interesting book.Thanks for watching my new book review series, "Questions in a Bottle"! Be sure to like, subscribe, and check out more book reviews on the channel.

Title: Double Crossed: The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day

Author: Rebecca E. F. Barone

Published by: Henry Holt & Company (an imprint of Macmillan Publishers)

Publication Date: 4/28/26

Topics explored:

Courage

Friendship & Teamwork

Loyalty

Sacrifice

Perseverance

Spies & Espionage

WWII

Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.

Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book.

Readers Make Leaders!

Help me give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and open doors to a brighter future:https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608

E 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. Follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.org

I was lucky enough to read an early copy of HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE by New York Times Bestselling author Lynda Mullaly Hunt, best known for FISH IN A TREE!

This beautiful story is filled with both heartbreak and hope, and by the end, Lynda has a way of putting the pieces back together, stronger than before.

HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE is a middle-grade story that tweens, teens, and adults alike will find meaningful and deeply enjoyable. It's a story about connection, loss, friendship, and hope, and Lynda's storytelling shows readers how we can help each other through even the hardest moments.

Watch my book review to hear more about the story and why I think HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE 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 February 2027

Title: HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE

Author: Lynda Mullaly Hung​⁠

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House) 2/16/27

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/4938608

E 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