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.

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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 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

I was truly honored to welcome award-winning and NYT Bestselling author, Frederick Joseph to E Train Talks.

In case you didn't know, ​⁠ is a three-time New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has written powerful books for readers of all ages. In this interview, we discussed THIS THING OF OURS, EVERYTHING’S NOT LOST, and PLANTING HOPE, along with a few of his other meaningful and thought-provoking books.

Frederick’s commitment to creating positive change reaches far beyond his writing. He created the #BlackPantherChallenge, a fundraising campaign that raised nearly $1 million and helped more than 73,000 children around the world see BLACK PANTHER in theaters.

His writing and activism have earned him numerous honors, including recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award.

This was a phenomenal conversation, one I won't soon forget and will forever cherish! It was fun, engaging, and full of surprises!

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.

“We were sick of the bad news. So we sought out to build more positive communities, one video at a time.” - Dude. Be Nice This episode is especially near and dear to my heart because my guests bring the worlds of “books and good deeds”together in one very special conversation.I’m joined by children’s book author and school social worker Sarah Scheerger and Brent Camalich, founder of dude. be nice, a movement that celebrates everyday heroes and shows how kindness can bring people and communities together.Sarah and Brent teamed up to craft the picture book, “Dude. Be Nice” a story that isn’t only a a wonderful children's book, but is also part of a national kindness movement! Fun fact! Sarah Scheerger was the very first author I ever interviewed on E Train Talks, when I was just eleven years old! It was extra special to welcome her back to the show!Watch my interview with these two amazing humans and be inspired to start your own journey to being nice!Thanks for watching! Please support my work with a like & subscribe. Powered by 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 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate, podcaster and aspiring journalist. Ethan 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. Support my mission and follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.orgTo donate to my literacy initiative: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/...

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, guilt, and self-blame, showing how easily someone can become isolated when struggling with trauma and mental health challenges. Frederick has written a heartbreaking, honest, and thought-provoking read that explores how complex and layered healing can be.EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST is a story that invites reflection and conversation, and I honestly can't recommend this book enough. Frederick has crafted a deeply moving, captivating, hard-to-put-down 5-star must read!

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 as DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney and DORK DIARIES by Rachel Renée Russell. With 10 books already released in the U.K. and 2 now available in the U.S., Katie’s books are quickly becoming favorite reads for American tweens too!If you or a tween you know loves funny, relatable books and awkward middle school moments, be sure to check out my interview with Katie Kirby, the creator of the bestselling LOTTIE BROOKS series, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!Powered by 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 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

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 BEST YA GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR!Dapier and Dungo have crafted a heartfelt, page turning, and extremely timely 10/10 must read!TAP PLAY to watch my review & SUBSCRIBE to my channel to gain early access to future book reviews and interviews.Title: WAKE NOW IN THE FIREAuthor: Jarrett Dapier Illustrator: AJ DungoPublisher: Ten Speed Graphic is a an imprint run by Ten Speed Press, and part of Crown Publishing Group at Penguin Random House.Book review by: Ethan (E Train)