E Train Talks: All Aboard for Early Literacy

12/17/2025

A big shout out and thank you to (THE EAST SAC LOCAL MAGAZINE) for featuring my literacy journey in the December issue! What a fantastic way to end 2025! It’s always an honor to have my nonprofit be recognized, but it’s extra special when I’m supported by my home city of Sacramento! 2025 was filled with so much book joy, I hope I can give back to even more kids in the coming year! Thank you to THE EAST SAC LOCAL MAGAZINE! I’m so grateful!

12/16/2025

Happy Hanukkah! On this special first day of Hanukkah, I’m celebrating the season with a story that gives readers a dash of holiday light mixed with a spoonful of Hanukkah History, this is my read aloud of BEAM OF LIGHT: THE STORY OF THE FIRST WHITE HOUSE MENORAH. Sending out a big thanks to author Elisa Boxer and illustrator Sofia Moore for bringing this important story to life!

I personally love to learn and BEAM OF LIGHT is the perfect picture book to celebrate with and learn from. A Hanukkah story filled with heart and pride!

Title: BEAM OF LIGHT: THE STORY OF THE FIRST WHITE HOUSE MENORAH
Author: Elisa Boxer
Illustrator: Sofia Moore
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC
Read Aloud by: E Train Talks: All Aboard for Early Literacy

Happy Hanukkah! On this special first day of Hanukkah, I’m celebrating the season with a story that gives readers a dash of holiday light mixed with a spoonf...

12/14/2025

Daniel Nayeri's book, "The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story," recently won the prestigious 2025 National Book Award for Young People's Literature and has made The New York Times' 2025 Best Books List! Congratulations Daniel Nayeri and Levine Querido! I read and reviewed THE TEACHAR OF NOMAD LAND a while ago and am thrilled this powerful story is getting the recognition it deserves!

https://youtu.be/VTDPiVcNl5E?si=vvI0z6Redd3QsJ8B

The New York Times National Book Foundation

In this review, I dive into THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND: A WORLD WAR II STORY by award-winning author Daniel Nayeri. THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND is a powerful mi...

12/09/2025

Grab your latkes and sufganiyot because the Hanukkah season has arrived! To help me kick off the festivities, I’m joined by a panel of five incredible authors whose books shine bright with the magic of Hanukkah.🕎 Put on your yarmulke because here comes Hanukkah! Watch… Learn… and… Celebrate! 🕎

Joining me on this special podcast are 5 Hanukkah Story-writing Heroes!
Henry L Herz
Dara Henryemaus
Kerry Olitzky s.simpson

https://youtu.be/OyaE1Ez4OZE?si=PNpe6OW5MzeNPm24


E Train Talks is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

WELCOME TO MY HANUKKAH HEROES 2025 AUTHOR PANEL! In this video, I'm speaking with five wonderful Jewish storytellers, authors and illustrators, who've brough...

12/01/2025

I had the honor of interviewing Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty
for a quick, but inspiring conversation. Elected in 2024, Mayor McCarty grew up in Sacramento and even attended to the same middle school I did. He’s dedicated his career to serving our community, and now he’s leading a city of more than half a million people. Since E Train Talks is all about inspiring young readers, I’m thrilled to share Mayor McCarty’s thoughts on education, literacy, sports, and the issues that matter to Sacramento families. https://youtu.be/QBfqL5pMYC8?si=mXMNtjKPYD5a8hpN

I’m especially excited to sit down with the mayor of my hometown, Sacramento, Kevin McCarty, for a quick but inspiring conversation. Elected in 2024, Mayor M...

11/18/2025

Over the past 4 years, my nonprofit “E Train Talks” has given 8,000+ brand new books to Sacramento youth.

Today, my organization was named the Sacramento’s #1 Youth Development Program by Sacramento Favoritess and The Sacramento Bee!

I am so grateful for this honor. I’ll never stop advocating for Sactown & the kids in it!

11/18/2025

SAY SOMETHING, POUPEH BABAEE! by Dr. Haleh Massey
& illustrated by Ghazal Qadri is a powerful middle-grade graphic novel that affected me deeply.

The story follows Poupeh, a young Iranian girl who moves to the U.S. to stay with her relatives while she waits for her parents to join her from Iran. Dr. Massey does an excellent job showing what immigration can actually feel like for kids, the emotional confusion, the fear, the challenges of learning new customs, and the struggle to find your voice (literally & figuratively). The story also touches on family, loneliness, courage & how hard it is to start over somewhere new.

SAY SOMETHING, POUPEH BABAEE! is a meaningful and timely read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves graphic novels with heart. ♥️
Watch my to find out more & be sure to grab a copy of this important & impactful story.
https://youtu.be/Vuywzn2NwfM?si=oOYWmEkMIGYHqsOU

For the Love of Middle Grade

SAY SOMETHING, POUPEH BABAEE! by Dr. Haleh Massey and illustrated by Ghazal Qadri is a super powerful middle-grade graphic novel that honestly hit me way har...

11/18/2025

I'm hoping to one day I'll get the chance to visit Giunti Odeon – Talk about an amazing book store! Check it out!

Thanks for including me on your weekly engagement list! 🎉

11/11/2025

Hi Friends!
This holiday giving season, I’m collecting new toys and children’s books to bring a little extra cheer to kids who could use it most. Throughout November, I’m asking friends to join me in spreading kindness by donating a new toy or book for children in need.

Local friends: I’m happy to pick up your donations and deliver them to Mayor McCarty’s Holiday Toy Drive.🎁
Faraway friends: You’re welcome to mail a toy or contribute funds, and I’ll make sure a gift is purchased and shared.

📚In addition to the toy drive, on GivingTuesdayI’ll be delivering new children’s books to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Northern California, so if you’d prefer to give the gift of reading, I’ll gladly hand-deliver your donations. Every small act of generosity makes a big difference. Thank you for helping spread warmth, joy, and love this holiday season. ❤️
GivingTuesdaySpark

11/04/2025

It’s Children’s Book Week, a national literacy initiative that celebrates stories and encourages a love of reading!

I’m so proud to be joining in on the celebration!

Thank you to Every Child a Reader, Scholastic Teachers, The Children's Book Council and Graphix Books for supporting early literacy & for sending me this fantastic to read and share with children in my community!

Reading helps kids of all ages build knowledge, imagination, confidence, acceptance and connections.♥️📚

Power Up With Reading!

Dog Man Books