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.