E Train Talks: All Aboard for Early Literacy

10/10/2026

HAPPY 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 by 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!

https://youtu.be/mSmykZt9RMg?is=PZPuFKzCABJXLvq6

Celebrating five years of E Train Talks with Steve Sheinkin on Nat...

10/08/2026

TONIGHT!!

10/05/2026

IT’S BANNED BOOKS WEEK!

It was a true honor having Newbery Medal-Winner Meg Medina on E Train Talks. We spoke at this time last year about the importance of pushback against book bans and making sure young readers have access to books that help them feel seen and heard.

Meg Medina is one of the most inspiring voices in children’s literature. She’s a Newberry metal-winning Author, a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and an incredible writer.

I’m so happy I had the chance to speak with Meg. If you’re interested in watching the full interview, here’s the link 👉🏼 youtu.be/_XH1IUKIUlE?is…



https://youtu.be/_XH1IUKIUlE?is=7vYr8I3ptREFK4pJ

10/03/2026

It was so so nice ending the week long holiday of Sukkot by visiting first and second graders at Shalom School Sacramento. We shared a meaningful story time and I enjoyed listening to the kids share their thoughts on the holiday.

Shalom School holds a special place in my heart and it’s always a treat to read to their students, especially during the Jewish holiday season!

I also had the chance to visit with Ben Pastcan, my very first school librarian!

Until next time!

09/29/2026

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!

These are just a few of my reading thoughts on SERIOUSLY, CELIA?, the newest graphic novel from award-winning author & cartoonist Terri Libenson, SERIOUSLY, CELIA? is yet another fantastic addition to the EMMIE & FRIENDS popular middle-grade series, filled with relatable characters, humor, friendship & meaningful messages.

I’m a big fan of this series & highly recommended sharing the EMMIE & FRIENDS illustrated novels with tweens & teens who love fast paced, relatable, and entertaining storylines. Not to mention it’s a graphic novel series, so the books are perfect for all types of readers!

A 10/10! 📚⭐️

Check out the full review on YouTube & my website ! 📚

AND, be sure to watch my interview with NYT Bestselling Author Terri Libenson 🎙️📚

https://youtu.be/cJJ7FukaBis?is=4ILMVGlJoWG7d0KZ

HarperCollins

These are my just a few of my reading thoughts on SERIOUSLY, CELIA?...

09/25/2026

Chag Sameach! Happy Sukkot!
Tonight at sundown, the joyous holiday of Sukkot begins! Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot is a seven-day Jewish festival celebrating the fall harvest and the power of community.

To celebrate, I spent some time diving into the spirit of holiday by sharing Sukkot picture book read alouds with kindergartners and 2nd grade classrooms at my k-12 school. I read “The Sukkah Hop” by Barbara Lerman-Golomb and “The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda” by Shoshana Nambi

This is the first time my school had a sukkah built and I’m so proud I could introduce kids to the holiday and tradition!

For those who don’t know, a sukkah is a temporary outdoor hut where families, friends, and even classrooms can gather to eat, welcome guests, and read.

Sharing stories and smiles in the Sukkah with kids was an amazing way to kick off this special holiday! I also donated some special books to each class ❤️☀️📚 Looking forward to reading to more kids throughout the holiday.

Wishing everyone a week filled with warmth, community, and the magic of stories! Chag Sameach! ☀️🧡💚🍋

09/20/2026

HAPPY WORLD CLEANUP DAY!

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.

A Better World Is Possible the Book

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!

https://youtu.be/LbSE03JHaps?si=Va-erVR2sqH5r_F2

World Cleanup Day World Clean Up Campaign

Celebrating 5 years of E Train Talks!I’m excited and extremely pr...

09/16/2026

Over the past five years, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the support I've received from the amazing reading community and I’m asking for your help again.

If you’re able to give the gift of stories to a classroom of kids, I’d be so grateful.

A donation of a First Book gift card, PayPal giving, or even a box of books can help spread reading joy.

If you’d like to mail books, please DM me or leave a comment. If you’d like to help purchase books for a classroom, you can donate through the link below. Every donation helps, no matter the amount. I’m truly grateful for every bit of support.
https://paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608

Thank you for helping me put more books into the hands of kids who need them most. E Train Talks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible. 📚❤️

09/11/2026

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! https://youtu.be/e4yfS9BZJOs?si=Yzh5nflD6djVtwr7

HarperCollins

Celebrating 5 years of E Train Talks with Terri Libenson!I’m so e...

09/06/2026

What if the end of the world is coming… and it’s up to us to fix it?

Welcome to Episode 3 of my new book review series, “Questions in a Bottle.” This is an E Train Talks series where I answer questions about interesting Middle-Grade and YA books I’ve read and recommend!

In HOW TO SURVIVE THE END OF THE WORLD, author Katy Doughty takes a colorful, comic-book look at the very real threats facing humanity, from pandemics and climate change to asteroids and supervolcanoes, and even AI. Doughty offers up a fascinating, funny, and at times humorously terrifying middle-grade graphic novel masterpiece!

Doughty basically asks readers: Are we totally doomed, or do we have a shot? It's on my list of top 2026 reads!

What if the end of the world is coming… and it’s up to us to fix it...