Author Michael Leali is truly a one-of-a-kind award-winning middle-grade author. His books are full of heart, LGBTQ+ themes, and acceptance, and his stories are windows and mirrors into the lives of kids/tweens/teens struggling with their sometimes complicated & confusing feelings for others. Michael's profound and meaningful stories are among some of my favorite reads. I'm so happy to share my interview with Michael, watch and learn more about his writing journey.

It was such an honor to receive an advanced readers copy of “MUZOON: A SYRIAN REFUGEE SPEAKS OUT,” by author & activist Muzoon Almellehan & co-authored by professor Wendy Pearlman. In this incredible true story, Muzoon documents her riveting journey from being a 14 year old Syrian refugee, to advocating for young women & education, to becoming the youngest Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Out tomorrow, May 23, MUZOON: A SYRIAN REFUGEE SPEAKS OUT, is an inspiring read that teaches us it only takes one person, one voice, at any age, to spark change! Muzoon Almellehan is a true hero & I hope her story finds a home on all classroom & library shelves!

They say your second #book is the hardest to #write. I guess the amazing #MGLit mastermind @TPhillipsWriter didn’t get that memo. His second #story THE CURIOUS LEAGUE OF DETECTIVES AND THIEVES: SOS, is a thrilling ride! The same lovable protagonists John Boarhog & Toadius McGee are back at it in this EPIC #read

In this video I review New York Times best-selling Author Dan Gutman's entertaining novel, HOUDINI AND ME. And, like most of Dan Gutman’s engaging stories, HOUDINI AND ME captures the interest of even the most reluctant of readers! What's more?! Dan even includes a "Facts & Fictions" section at the end of the book, so for all of you trivia buffs like me, that's one more reason to love this fun filled adventurous read! 10/10

In this video I review the middle-grade masterpiece "Matteo," by author Michael Leali

In this episode of E Train Talks, I'm thrilled to be speaking with award-winning author Jay Hosler! Jay is an entomologist, bee-enthusiast, TED Talker, and award-winning author and illustrator of really cool and informative science-oriented comics and graphic novels! He's also a doctor of biological sciences, as well as a professor at Juniata College, but on top of all that, Jay is truly an all-around amazing person, full of enthusiasm and a love of teaching, writing, and sharing knowledge on all things bugs and biology!

Jennifer is truly a literacy hero, changing kids' lives one read at a time, and it was an honor and privilege to speak with her on E Train Talks! Jennifer is a supercharged literacy hero and champion of the reading kind, in fact, Jennifer’s Bess the Book Bus shares around 50,000 books with kids in dozens of states across the US each year. And, in 2022, Bess the Book Bus celebrated its 20th birthday and gave away their millionth book! I have so much admiration for what Jennifer is doing and I’m beyond thrilled to have Jennifer here today to share her amazing story.  

Follow Jennifer's amazing literacy adventure: https://bessthebookbus.org/

In this interview, I talk everything Jewish-themed books with Joanne Levy, the award-winning author of many middle-grade novels for kids. Joanne has been a supporter of my reading journey from the beginning, so this interview is one extremely close to my heart! Watch & learn about literacy advocacy, how to fight antisemitism & more!  

Be sure to follow Joanne's writing journey at: www.joannelevy.com

I had the honor of sitting down virtually with the AMAZING Torrey Maldonado, author of such heartfelt middle-grade books as, TIGHT, WHAT LANE? and his newest novel HANDS! During our talk, Torrey shares his writing & teaching journey, talks about how comic books impacted his life, and he teaches us what it means to be a wonderful human being! This is one of my favorite interviews! Watch & see why I'm not just a fan of Torrey's books, but I'm a huge fan of the author himself!

Follow Torrey's writing journey: www.torreymaldonado.com