E Train Talks: All Aboard for Early Literacy

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

11/03/2025

Happy Monday! I have the perfect story to kick off your week. DUDE. BE NICE, by author Sarah Scheerger and illustrated by Alex MacNaughton.

Scheerger took inspiration from the “Dude. Be Nice” organization when writing this sweet picture book & in my eyes, she perfectly embodied what Dude. be nice stands for. KINDNESS!

Check out my read aloud of this heartfelt, meaningful story! https://youtu.be/-X4OoI9wTp8?feature=shared

Penguin Kids The World Kindness Movement Kindness Champions

I’m so happy to share Sarah Scheerger’s brand new picture book, DUDE. BE NICE. The story about “Dude,” a bear who wants to spend his day doing nice things fo...

10/31/2025

Hi Book Friends! 🌿

You may already know I’m hosting a Hanukkah Author Panel Podcast this year, but since Tu BiShvat is one of my very favorite (and most under-discussed!) holidays, I'm excited to share that I’ll also be hosting a Tu BiShvat Author Panel.

I know the holiday is a few months ahead, but I'm planning ahead! So, if you’ve published a children’s Tu BiShvat book, I’d love to include you. The podcast will be recorded in January, and this is the first chance to sign up if you’re interested! The panel will consist of 4 to 6 authors. https://forms.gle/wYbQxfvDYQsekuHQA

You can find out more about my literacy journey at: www.etraintalks.org

Thanks,
Ethan "E Train"

10/30/2025

"UPDATE"
WE HAVE REACHED THE LIMIT OF HANUKKAH AUTOR SIGNUPS. I so wish I could include everyone, but in other news...➡️ If you have a Tu BiShvat story to share, I'm thinking of hosting a TU BISHVAT 🌳💚podcast! https://forms.gle/seZJZbtqEDoZM3yy6

🕎CALL FOR HANUKKAH CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHORS!🕎
I'm celebrating the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS this year by hosting a special Q&A podcast with Hanukkah storytellers! Come share your story! Find out more or sign up here: https://forms.gle/aQwZfYsvKEbBKTD87

If you want to learn more about my podcast or literacy journey, feel free to check out my website at: https://etraintalks.com/ or YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com//videos

10/23/2025

A giving circle is a wonderful way for people to come together, pool their donations, and make a collective decision about where to give. It’s philanthropy rooted in community, kindness, and shared purpose.
🌎💛
Thanks to an incredible project & grant through GivingTuesday, I had the privilege of forming a giving circle as part of my role as a GivingTuesdaySpark leader. I partnered with a local Scouts troop who were happy to spread generosity & support a Sacramento based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Last night, we took our final vote on which organization to support & it was amazing. The winning nonprofit will be revealed at our next meeting & I can’t wait to share the good news with this awesome group of change makers. ⭐️

10/19/2025

Feeling so inspired after an incredible morning attending the Sacramento Kings Sacramento Kings Community Playbook Summit at Golden 1 Centerr !💜💛 I was surrounded by hundreds of passionate people and organizations all working to make our communities better.

This annual event brings together local 501(c)(3) nonprofits to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the impact of doing good. I had the chance to hear from powerful speakers who shared insight, encouragement, and practical tools to support the work nonprofits like E Train Talks are doing to spread joy and kindness in the world.

Huge thanks to Sacramento Kings, Raley's , Stockton Kings & all the partners who helped create such a meaningful experience. I’m so grateful to be part of a community that leads with heart and purpose. 💜

10/13/2025

Today, I gave over 100 brand new hashtag children's books to amazing 1st, 4th & 5th graders at a local San Juan Unified School District elementary school.

I read a story aloud, talked about reading & the magic of books, and shared my 2025 GivingTuesdaySpark "Be Kind to the Earth" bookmark initiative! Stories have the power to change lives and open minds. Any time I can inspire even one member of the next generation to read, and spread kindness, I know I’m on the right path!



Special shoutout to First Book for offering such an amazing selection of books at prices my charitable nonprofit can afford!