My Story
Ever since I was two-and-a-half, I've been reading every book in my path, from biographies, to fantasy-fiction, to mysteries. But what exactly is my story?
My story begins in a reading nook, snuggling up close to my mom in bed, listening to her read and sing magical tales. Lullabies, storybooks, and songs by "The Beatles." Books, music, and kindness would become the cornerstone of my childhood. I remember rocking out to fun tunes by my favorite bands, singing my heart out with my ukulele in hand.
Fast forward a few years, and I'm playing the piano, gaming on my Xbox, singing in musicals, and shooting hoops. But no matter how many extracurricular activities I take part in, my love of reading never falters and my book journey continues to grow! In fact, quite shockingly to some, my book story took off in brand new directions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the world basically shut down during the pandemic, and we were spending our days at home, my mom found ways for me to connect with the outside world through virtual book clubs. I started attending online middle grade book clubs and it was an incredible experience! During the pandemic and after, my book journey took me virtually to parts of Canada, all across the United States, and even Australia, all via zoom!
I've read countless books and spoken with amazing librarians from all over! I've met incredible authors, read fascinating books and I share my reading adventures on the "E Train Talks" Podcast! I'm sharing book joy with kids around the country and soon I'll be sharing books with schools and libraries from my ongoing book drive. I'm beyond grateful for this fantastic book journey and I hope you'll travel along with me, as my book journey is never ending. I invite you to meet authors, listen to book talks, and find your favorite next read on "E Train Talks!"
Feel free to subscribe to my website and follow my literacy adventure! You can also listen to my podcasts and hopefully get inspired to visit new worlds, meet new and interesting characters, and get lost in adventures in @ETrainsWorld.
E Train
awarded 2023 teen readers' choice Book hero!
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
Pictured here with the TABC Writers Cubed Team! Including
Lois Brown, Tahsha Wilson, Jennifer Jenkins, Jo Layton, Margie Jordan
Recipient of the 2023 Teen Book Hero Award!
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
It was my biggest honor to be awarded the 2023 Book Hero Award for "going above and beyond to improve children's literacy in our country. " I am beyond grateful for this distinguished honor. A special thank you to Jennifer Jenkins & Jennifer Nielsen for your amazing support!
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
Photographed at the 2023 TABC Teen Readers Choice Awards
Pictured here with Authors Jennifer Nielsen (TABC Book Drop Program Director) and Heather Clark
awards & media
I'm honored and proud to be highlighted in the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) March 2023 News and Review Newsletter. The AJL fosters access to information and research in all forms of media relating to all things Jewish! Thanks to the AJL for spot lighting Jewish authors and their stories!
Follow the Association of Jewish Libraries: https://jewishlibraries.org/
I'm thrilled to be featured in the July 22, 2022 issue of "The Week Junior!" The Week Junior is a weekly magazine geared at informing and inspiring kids from age 8 to 14.
Follow The Week Junior: https://theweekjunior.com/
Excited and honored to be featured in ANYWAY Magazine! An amazing magazine created and geared for tweens and teens. You can find my story on page 20 in issue 2!
I'm honored to be the recipient of the International Star Kids Award 2023! I'm inspired to continue doing whatever I can do spread kindness and advocate for literacy and justice for all!
When I'm not reading you might find me:
Leading a 7th grade school Rally. I'm the 2023/24 7th Grade President!
Leading a 7th grade school Rally. I'm the 2023/24 7th Grade President!
Leading a 7th grade school Rally. I'm the 2023/24 7th Grade President!
Leadership and trying to make positive changes in my middle-school is very important to me. I'm excited to be 7th grade president!
At the Ellies Award ceremony!
Leading a 7th grade school Rally. I'm the 2023/24 7th Grade President!
Leading a 7th grade school Rally. I'm the 2023/24 7th Grade President!
I love acting! Theater is a great way to express creativity! I was so happy & grateful to win an award for my participation and work in my middle-school's drama class & school-wide production!
Rooting for the Sacramento Kings
Leading a 7th grade school Rally. I'm the 2023/24 7th Grade President!
Rooting for the Sacramento Kings
Aside from being a fan of reading, I'm a also a huge Sacramento Kings fan! So during basketball season, you'll find me watching every sing Kings game (usually from my Living Room couch), but there's been a couple times (best days ever), when I've been able to ask Kings players, & members of the Kings organization, the question of the day!
Go Kings! Light the beam!
SPREADING Kindnessas
Performing In Thursday Night Live!
Rooting for the Sacramento Kings
As a Giving Tuesday Spark leader, I try my best to the important early literacy. I do this by sharing the joys of reading with kids and tweens! As a spark leader, I visit classrooms both in-person and virtually, talking to kids about how books can change lives and open doors to the future! One of my favorite things to do is speak to classrooms about my love of books!
Performing In Thursday Night Live!
Performing In Thursday Night Live!
Performing In Thursday Night Live!
Acting is one of my favorite hobbies & getting a lead role in my middle-school play was the best! I had so much fun and I hope to do it again in the future!
Playing Quiz Bowl
Performing In Thursday Night Live!
Performing In Thursday Night Live!
I've always been a fan of trivia, and this year (in 6th grade) I was introduced to quiz bowl at my middle school, and I absolutely love it! I practiced a lot and even made it on a team! It's become a huge favorite past time of mine! You'll even find me playing this summer!
Shootng Hoops
Shootng Hoops
Shootng Hoops
Those who know me, know I not only love watching professional basketball (Go Kings!), but I also love playing bball! whenever possible! It's my favorite sport & I sign up to play Buzzard Ball BB every summer!
WALL OF FAME
Click on a photo & Enjoy!
Shirts that Speak to me!
We Need More Diverse Books!
I wear Orange on National Gun Violence Awareness Day because kids shouldn't lose their lives due to Gun Violence!
Love my shirt from FREADOM: Literacy for all!