E Train Talks: All Aboard for Early Literacy

09/23/2025

Happy New Year! Shanah Tovah! Welcome to my read aloud of the sweet & colorful picture book TWO NEW YEARS by author Richard Hoand illustrated by Lynn doodles! This is the story of a family that comes from two diverse cultures, celebrates two festive Lunar New Years, and has many beautiful & rich traditions. Filled with bright & bold pictures that bring the story to life, I highly recommend sharing this with you family, students, and loved ones!
https://youtu.be/YWpoXUQO_xc?feature=shared

Published by: Chronicle Books

Happy New Year! Shanah Tovah! Welcome to my read aloud of the sweet & colorful picture book TWO NEW YEARS! This is the story of a family that comes from two ...

09/19/2025

I’ve recorded more than 150 podcast interviews, and I always close with the same question. Out of all my conversations, author Kate DiCamillo’s answer to, “If you could be or meet any literary character, who would it be and why?” touched me the most.

Her response left such an impression that this interview will always hold a special place in my book-loving heart. 💙 Watch the full conversation to see why. https://youtu.be/UZoJNvF5sng?si=4OUdgGv-gRzS2

09/16/2025

This episode is a truly special celebration! I’m honored to sit down virtually with award-winning children's author Kate DiCamillo for an exclusive interview commemorating the 25th anniversary of her beloved debut novel, BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE. First published in 2000, this timeless story of friendship, love, and belonging has touched millions of young readers around the world and continues to be a timeless favorite among children’s literature.

Kate DiCamillo is a two-time Newbery Medal winner and the author of many beloved children's books, including THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, FLORA & ULYSSES and the MERCY WATSON series. In this interview, we revisit the magic of BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, explore the inspirations behind many of her heartfelt stories, and talk about Kate's incredible writing journey.
https://youtu.be/UZoJNvF5sng?si=UP1ZRxVFkjxMIyRC

FINN Partners Pippin Properties, Inc.

This episode is a truly special celebration! I’m honored to sit down with award-winning children's author Kate DiCamillo for an exclusive interview commemora...

09/13/2025

Thank you so much ABC10 for sharing my story! It's an honor to be recognized and supported by the Sacramento community!

Sacramento 14-year-old Ethan Minton founded E-Train Talks Inc. to ensure kids have access to books.

09/08/2025

I've said it before, and I’ll say it again: Dan Gutman is a middle-grade author mastermind. His stories keep me, as well as readers across the globe, engaged, entertained, and even educated! His latest book, THE PICASSO CURSE, is no different. Be sure to watch my latest book review & discover why Dan’s newest book is a Five⭐️ 10/10 read! https://youtu.be/slmK_dazNkc

Holiday House Books for Young People

I've said it before, and I’ll say it again: Dan Gutman is a middle-grade author mastermind. His stories keep me, as well as readers across the globe, engaged...

09/04/2025

Did you know I’m a GivingTuesdaySpark leader? GivingTuesdayy Spark is a youth-led global movement that empowers young people to create acts of kindness, volunteer projects, and “givebacks” to spread a culture of generosity within their communities and around the world. And, I’m happy to share news about my new GIVING CIRCLE” kindness project!

My new project will gather teens & tweens together to learn, grow, and share! Sponsored by Giving Tuesday, I will lead a Boy Scout troop in an opportunity to give back to a local Sacramento 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit. This is an amazing chance for young people to become change makers in their communities - to use their voice to help support a worthy cause they believe in. Through a wonderful grant, Giving Tuesday is providing the generous funds for us give to our chosen nonprofit. This is such a wonderful chance to spread generosity & good will in our community & hopefully inspire more young people to take the initiative and continue giving back in their communities.

Our first meetings have been fantastic! I’m excited for what’s to come!

09/01/2025

I’m very excited to share my interview with the wonderful author
Naomi Milliner. Naomi writes heartwarming, coming-of-age middle-grade stories that touch the soul. I've been following Naomi's writing since my podcast journey began & I'm grateful I had the opportunity to dig into the stories behind her deeply meaningful tales. I highly recommend reading Naomi Milliner's books, but don't take my word for it, see for yourself, as you sit back, relax and dive into our book talk! Enjoy!

Association of Jewish Libraries Jewish Book Council

I’m very excited to share my interview with the wonderful, Naomi Milliner. Naomi writes heartwarming, coming-of-age stories that truly touch the soul. I've b...

08/30/2025

Dear Facebook Friends,

I have a favor to ask. I need your vote! My mom surprised me and entered me in the Youth Athlete of the Year competition. We didn't think I'd be in the contest for long, but much to our surprise I am still in it! This is not only an amazing chance to win $25,000 to put towards my future college education, but also an opportunity to support two worthy causes that speak to my heart. The V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation. There are still a few more phases of the competition to move through, but to get to the next level I need to stay in 1st place until September 4th. You can cast one FREE vote every day. You can also cast more votes if you choose, and want to support a worthy cause. Right now each vote is worth 2! Please cast your vote for me and help me move to the next phase of this competition. This award money would be so helpful! Thank you in advance.
https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/ethan-4494

Jewish Kidlit Mavens GivingTuesdaySpark

My Son Has Loved Basketball Since He Was 3 Years Old. He Plays It, Reads About It & Writes About It. He’s A Team Player W/a Kind Heart!

08/28/2025

Today, my nonprofit E Train Talks, Inc. was named a Sacramento Nonprofit of Distinction by Mayor Kevin McCarty. I’m so grateful!

For those who don’t know, I’m on a mission to ensure all kids in Sacramento & beyond have access to books. I’m committed to doing good!

GivingTuesdaySpark
SMUD

08/26/2025

Happy Book Birthday Lance Rubin!

This is my book review of ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND, a captivating coming-of-age middle-grade masterpiece by New York Times Bestselling Author Lance Rubin.

ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND is an unforgettable reading journey of self-discovery, a story that explores the ins and outs of true friendship, learning to embrace who you are, and reclaiming authentic connections. With a unique blend of heart, humor, and sharp insight, Rubin's crafted a story that is both futuristic and deeply personal. Watch my book review to find out more!

I highly recommend ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND to anyone who loves sci-fi, coming-of-age stories, or anyone who has ever felt like an outsider searching for their place in the world.

I couldn't put this book down! A 10/10 MUST-READ!

Clarion Books HarperCollins

https://youtu.be/LUU1eLyq1ec?si=CUE4FfTJJp3hQfjv

This is my book review of ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND, a captivating coming-of-age middle-grade masterpiece by New York Times Bestselling Author Lance Rubin...

08/18/2025

Wow! 😍

A Virginia library is leading the way in making public spaces more accommodating for parents of small children with its innovative parent-child computer workstations! Located in the children's room at Henrico County Public Library's Fairfield branch, the 'Parent & Child Carrel' feature a computer workstation alongside an enclosed safe play area for babies and toddlers. The design was the brainchild of library staff who had observed that the standard computer lab model didn't work well for parents of young children. "We've seen parents and caregivers who would need to do adult work, like apply for a job or create a document for community college and so on, and if they had little infants and toddlers, we saw that it was very tricky to do," says Barbara Weedman, the Henrico County Public Library Director.

When the library was remodeled, the staff asked the architects if they could include ready-made furniture that addressed this need in the final design. When the architects couldn't find any good options, they asked a small children's furniture company, TMC The Makers Creative, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to create a new kind of work carrel that could accommodate both parents and young children. Since the 'Parent & Child Carrels' were unveiled, they've been a tremendous hit with library patrons. As Weedman observed: "Librarians love to help, and we love to give access to people, and it can be tricky when you have little ones. And I think this has resonated with many people, because they can relate, juggling all these things in our busy lives."

08/18/2025

Hooray, it’s National Nonprofit Day!

Today is a day we recognize and celebrate the positive impact nonprofit organizations are making on communities and the world. The truth is, I could not spread book joy and reach as many children as I do, if it wasn’t for you! Thanks for supporting my literacy journey! It’s been almost four amazing years of advocating and celebrating stories and two years of being a 501(c)3 nonprofit! I’m grateful for all the podcast memories and book friends, the smiles and classroom visits (virtually & in person), the
GivingTuesdaySpark community and Good Day Sacramento
tv book segment, and the endless book joy!

My heart is filled with gratitude! And, the good news, this is only the beginning! Thanks for sharing this incredible reading adventure with me! I hope you will continue supporting & giving to my literacy cause! Donations power E Train Talks 📚♥️