E Train Talks YouTube Interviews

  I'm so excited to be a part of the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour. The Sydney Taylor Book Award Tour features interviews with all of the award-winning authors and illustrators, and I had the honor to interview Sydney Taylor Award Honoree author Joshua S. Levy, the writer behind the extraordinary middle-grade novel, THE JAKE SHOW! Watch my talk with Josh and learn all about his meaningful and engaging Jewish-themed award-winning story, THE JAKE SHOW, as well as the writing journey behind his other fun and engaging books.   Follow Joshua S. Levy's writing adventures at: www.joshuasimonlevy.com 

   I’m excited and so honored to have the chance to sit down virtually with multi-award-winning author Veera Hiranandani. Veera is the writer of numerous heartfelt and fact-driven historical fiction stories. Her novel, THE NIGHT DIARY received a Newbery Honor and HOW TO FIND WHAT YOU'RE NOT LOOKING FOR won the 2022 Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Her newest book, AMIL AND THE AFTER, is the sequel to THE NIGHT DIARY, and yet another example of Veera's touching and engaging storytelling! I’m so excited to share Veera’s interesting and compelling book journey with you! Enjoy!  Stay connected to everything Veera's doing in the book word: https://www.veerahiranandani.com  

  I I’m excited to share my talk with picture book author Gabrielle Balkan! As a fan of all things history & trivia, I’ve always devoured non-fiction and fact driven stories, and Gabrielle is a master of the art of fascinating, informational, and highly entertaining writing!   Here’s some more about Gabrielle to get you excited to watch our interview! Gabrielle is best known for her nonfiction books that delight young readers with curious and essential facts about the United States, animal record-breakers, and so much more! A sample of Gabrielle’s books include, WHAT A MAP CAN DO, all about the wonders and importance of maps. GEORGIA O’KEEFE, SHE SAW THE WORLD IN A FLOWER, a beautiful picture book biography about the life and art of Georgia O’Keefe.   

Check out Gabrielle Balkan’s website to learn more: http://www.gabriellebalkan.com/ Thanks for watching my interview with Author Gabrielle Balkan.  
 

 I had the absolute best time talking with Newbery Honoree and New York Times Best-Selling author Shannon Hale! Shannon is the incredible mastermind behind dozens and dozens of captivating and entertaining books! She's an award winning and critically acclaimed writer for all ages who adds charm, wit, silliness and relatability to her stories. It was such fun hearing how Shannon's  writing journey has unfolded and I know you'll love learning about Shannon as much as I did. Enjoy!  Shannon Hale has written over 40 stories,  From Picture books to Middle-Grade to YA, to even Adult novels! Her writing has captured the attention many!   Follow Shannon Hale's at: https://shannonhale.com
 

 Wow! What a fantastic interview, I learned so much for the wonderful middle-grade author Christina Soontornvat! From writing techniques, to deep dives into hot kid lit topics & so much more! Did you know Christina set out to be a scientist before becoming an author, and it was science which sparked a love of writing? You'll learn about that and a whole lot more in my chat with THREE-time Newbery Honoree, the writer behind THE LAST MAPMAKER, THE TRYOUT & ALL THIRTEEN, Christina Soontornvat!! 

 Follow Christian's writing journey at: https://soontornvat.com

  Welcome to my very first youth author panel discussion. In this video you'll meet Six amazing young writers who have taken their dream of becoming a published author and made it a reality! Six phenomenal youth who have something to say! From topics of kindness, to love and empowerment, to fairy chronicle adventures, to technology and finding one's passion, to even a mystery story, and last, but not least, a kid scientist! It was so inspiring talking to these six change makers! Not only have they written awesome reads, but they share tips for all of you aspiring authors about the publishing process and scheduling! Tips & Novels, what more can you ask for?! I'm so excited to share their stories with you! Be sure to find yourself a copy of all of their books, you won't regret it!  It's time to go write your own story, follow your dreams! 

 
What an insightful chat! A sequel is often the toughest book for authors to write, but it's always helpful when they have an amazing editor to shine a light on important details to be added and information to be taken out. The combination of author Tom Phillips and editor Alison Weiss make for the perfect team.   These two people are certainly "in-the-know" when it comes to the writing world. If you are looking for writing advice on how to write a sequel, or are interested in writing your very first book, Tom and Alison have the tools to share with you! Be sure to watch our informative and also entertaining discussion. You'll take away knowledge you won't be able to find in many other interviews. Have fun listening and good luck on your future writing and reading adventures!
 

 
In this video, I'm speaking with news anchor, reporter, and amazing Good Day Sacramento TV Host, the one and only, mischievous scamp, Cody Stark! Cody has done it all, he’s traveled across the country, read the HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY about 100 times…maybe even more… and brings a smile to the people of Sacramento on a daily basis! Not only that, but Cody has been a huge supporter of my literacy journey! Cody has opened up so many doors for me throughout my book journey, from inviting me to share a Hanukkah reading on the air with The Mensch on The Bench, to giving me my own Good Day Sacramento book review segment   

And now, here I am interviewing him in the amazing Good Day TV studio!   I’m so glad I get to share Cody’s story with all of you! Seriously, if you’ve never watched his segments on TV then you are missing out on what I call, “peak cinema!” You can follow Cody's journey on social media, YouTube, and of course, weekly on Good Day Sacramento on CBS!  

 
Dungeons and Dragons meets Super Mario Brothers in SPELLBINDERS; THE NOT SO CHOSEN ONE! I had such an epic time chatting with #mglit author & all around cool guy, 

Andrew Auseon! Andrew is not just a writer, but a video game developer, an active member of the middle-grade book community, and a gamer! Not to mention, Andrew is on his way to becoming a middle-grade story-writing legend! 

Watch our talk & find out why!  

And, be sure to find a copy of Andrew's newest read, SPELLBINDERS; THE NOT SO CHOSEN ONE!  Don't forget to leave a like and subscribe for more author interviews! 

Follow Andrew Auseon's writing journey at: www.andrewauseon.com  Thanks for watching! 

 
Coretta Scott King Award-Winning Author, Sharon G. Flake's writing has made a huge impact on young adult and middle-grade literature & her newest middle-grade novel-in-verse, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON is no different! Sharon G Flake

books have touched the hearts & opened the minds of readers from around the world & Sharon’s books address important social issues that both inspire & educate readers. Watch & learn more. 

From Sharon's award winning story, THE SKIN I'M IN, to her latest work of masterful middle-grade historical fiction, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, Sharon Flake empowers the voices of young black kids & readers of all backgrounds! Her words inspire growth & spark courage in her readers hearts. Sharon is one of my favorite guests & It was an honor talking with her! Watch & see why! 

 
Adventure, Magic & FAERIES! These are themes touched on  in my interview with storytelling icon, author Holly Black! Having sold over 26 million copies of her books,
Holly Black creates perfect fantastical middle-grade & Young Adult stories enjoyed across the globe! In our talk, Holly shares interesting tips and insights into the #writing world! What are you waiting for? Watch my #interview with the sensational writer & #1 NYT Bestseller, HOLLY BLACK! 

 Follow Holly Black's writing journey at: www.blackholly.com 

 I was so excited to sit down virtually with the famous "Shib Sibs," Maia and Alex Shibutani, olympic Bronze Medalists, three-time World medalists and authors! Their newest diverse picture book, AMAZING shares the stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander heroes that have demonstrated great courage, innovation, creativity, and more! Watch my interview and learn more about the Shib Sibs' remarkable skating & writing journey, as well as see why you'll want to read their wonderful picture book, AMAZlNG! 

 "When You Have an Education, Nobody Can Take It Away from You"  I had the HONOR of sitting down virtually with UNICEF Ambassador for Goodwill & newly published author, as well as one of my personal kindness heroes, Muzoon Almellehan! Muzoon has dedicated her life to ensuring all girls & kids have access to education! Her activism is beyond inspiring.  "MUZOON, A SYRIAN REFUGEE SPEAKS OUT," is a riveting story that will inspire young readers to use their own voices and stand up for what they believe in. This special memoir will help kids understand what it means to be a refugee and is a timely addition to the children’s biography space.  Find out more about Muzoon Almellehan's journey here: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/syrian-refugee-asks-are-my-friends-still-alive 

 In this video I'm absolutely thrilled to be talking with New York Times best-selling author Dan Gutman! To date, Dan has published a whopping 175 fun filled books, and his stories have sold millions of copies worldwide! And, if that's not enough amazement, Dan Gutman is a super nice guy! This is one of those talks I will not likely ever forget!   Be sure to follow Dan's writing journey at: www.dangutman.com 

 I’m thrilled to share my talk with author Rebecca E. F. Barone. Rebecca is the award-winning author of two, non-fiction middle-grade reads, which is extra exciting for me because I haven't had the chance to interview many non-fiction writers. AND, in case you didn't’ know, I'm a huge history and trivia fan, so this was an amazing opportunity.  Rebecca Barone writes historically accurate stories about secret code breakers, and explorers competing to be the first humans to reach the South Pole.. Her books are fascinating and riveting, and her stories make you WANT to learn history.   I interviewed Rebecca in honor of Holocaust Remembrance week because her novel "Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code" retells an important and critical part of WW2 history that needs to be shared!   Be sure to follow Rebecca's writing journey: https://rebeccaefbarone.com
 

 **First. Let me share that this is a day I will never forget.** To commemorate the start of Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), I spoke with Gidon Lev, co-author of THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF GIDON LEV: RASCAL. HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR. OPTIMIST," about his experiences before, during, and after the holocaust. Gidon is a hero! At just age 6 he was sent to the Terezin concentration camp and was one of only 29 children to survive, out of the15,000 total children sent. But Gidon's story doesn't end there! Today, at 88 years young, Gidon is kindness hero! He's he is teaching the world to be tolerant and he’s sharing the truth about the holocaust and helping to put an end to hate and antisemitism. Not only is Gidon speaking up against antisemitism, but he's has also taken social media by storm with his sensational TikToks, advocating for the next generation to speak out against injustice!   Gidon's work inspires youth and adults alike to take a stand, to combat anti-semitism, and to reject hate in all forms. Gidon maintains that black rights, trans rights, women's rights, and ALL rights are human rights!   Watch our talk and be inspired and more importantly, MOTIVATED to make a difference!  Follow Gidon's journey on TikTok, Instagram and on his website at: https://www.thetrueadventures.com 

 In this video I speak with the award-wining author of meaningful YA, Adult, and Children's books, Liza Wiemer. Watch as Liza and I talk about everything from bullying to book banning, to combating anti-semitism. Liza is so passionate about teaching truth and stopping hate! I learned so much talking with her. Watch, learn and be inspired! 

 What a fun and engaging interview! I have always adored middle-grade author Janae Marks' books, and when I was given the chance to interview the one and only writer of the ZOE WASHINGTON series and A SOFT PLACE TO LAND, I was thrilled! You'll learn so much from my discussion with the Janae. From her time in musical theater, to the ongoing production of the ZOE WASHINGTON movie, to discussing Janae's newest novel, ON AIR WITH ZOE WASHINGTON, and much more! It was truly a magical day and I'm so grateful I could meet and chat with Jane. Now it's your turn to enjoy our talk!  Be sure to follow Janae's writing journey at: https://www.janaemarks.com/ 

 I had the true honor of interviewing one of my all-time favorite middle-grade authors, creator of the SPY SCHOOL, CHARLIE THORNE, FUNJUNGLE, SPACE BASE ALPHA, and the ONCE UPON A TIME series, along with many more epic stories, Stuart Gibbs! Stuart is not just a New York Times bestselling author, but he’s also worked in television and movies and recently had a graphic novel published by DC Comics. Stuart has done it all, and his writing journey is only just beginning.   You can follow Stuart Gibbs on social media and on his website at: https://stuartgibbs.com

 It was such an incredible honor to sit down virtually and talk with the fascinating author, A.S. King. Amy Sarig King, is the award winning author of the novel ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES, as well as many other intriguing Middle Grade and YA reads. Watch our thought-provoking interview and see why you'll want to dive into one of Amy's entertaining reads ASAP!   Be sure to follow A.S. King's writing journey on social media and on her website at: www.as-king.com 

 In this interview, I speak with New York Times Bestselling middle-grade author and award winning Newbery honoree Sheila Turnage, the author of the thrilling THREE TIMES LUCKY SERIES, as well as her newest non-fiction mystery, page turner, ISLAND OF SPIES! Watch and learn about Sheila's interesting writing journey! It was an absolute honor to talk with Sheila and I know you'll love hearing her story and much as I did! 

Follow Sheila on social media and on her website at: https://www.sheilaturnage.com/

 I'm still smiling from interviewing one of my all time FAVORITE writing legends & personal heroes, the one and only, author Gordon Korman! Watch, Learn & Enjoy my talk with the award wining author of 100 middle grade books and a true master of his craft Gordon Korman!

 I was beyond excited to interview Alyssa Rosenberg, an Opinion Columnist at The Washington Post!  Fun Fact: At just eight years old, Alyssa started a book review column in a local newspaper? Pretty fantastic right?!

Alyssa is the writer behind the "To Build a Delightful Library for Kids, Start With These 99 Books" opinion piece, where she asked parents across the political spectrum for three book recommendations that they believe need to be in every child's library. Alyssa's article shows that books can truly be a uniting force for all. I'm so inspired by all the amazing work Alyssa does for the book and writing world! Check out her article courtesy of The Washington Post:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/12/06/kids-books-recommendations-list-culture-war/ 

 I was thrilled to sit down virtually with my fedora wearing friend, author Shawn Peters, and discuss his newest middle grade novel, Book two of the series, “THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER AND THE SHADOW OF DOUBT!" I had the best time talking all things books, superheroes, and pet peeves with my author hero Shawn Peters!  Follow Shawn Peters on social media and at: https://www.shawnpeterswrites.com/ 

 I was absolutely thrilled to sit down with the award-winning debut middle-grade writer of medieval magic Alysa Wishingrad, the author behind “The Verdigris Pawn!” In our talk, Alysa speaks passionately and profoundly about important middle grade topics & is wonderful human being. This is one interview one you don't want to miss! 

Follow Alysa's writing journey here: https://alysawishingrad.com/

 I was absolutely thrilled to sit down virtually with the wonderful Canadian storyteller and author of the thrilling "Aggie Morton Mystery Queen" series, Marthe Jocelyn. Marthe writes masterful mysteries that don’t just highly entertain, but also educate and intrigue readers. Not only that, Marthe has written 50 books from board books, to children's reads, to middle grade, to YA! Marthe has been a wonderful supporter of my reading journey and I'm so happy to share everything she's doing to promote literacy, as well as talk about her amazingly entertaining reads! Follow Marthe Jocelyn's writing journey at https://www.marthejocelyn.com/ or at: www.bookflap.ca 

 RUMOR HAS IT, Erika Lewis has a new middle-grade novel coming in 2023! Watch my wonderful interview with Erika Lewis, where I interview her a SECOND Time ahead of the release of her newest book, KELCIE MURPHY FOR THE HEART OF DANU coming May 23, 2023, for my first Rumor Has It episode! Erika is the author of the fast-paced and thrilling KELCIE MURPHY AND THE ACADEMY FOR THE UNBREAKABLE ARTS, an American Library Association, gold starred middle-grade read! If you're looking for an entertaining novel, and an author interview that's sure to make you smile, you're in the right book place!

 I had the true honor of welcoming twelve-year-old fantasy middle-grade debut author of the "The Adventures of Sage Hawkins: The Lost Fairy Chronicles Book 1," Scarlett Hoffman to E Train Talks! Scarlett is a huge Zelda fan &  book lover, and I had an amazing time chatting with her about her  writing journey. You'll leave our interview inspired & you'll learn a lot too! Be sure to follow Scarlett's writing journey on Instagram @scarletthoffman04! 

 Watch my interview with the wonderful Middle Grade Author Elly Swartz. Elly is the author of four contemporary middle grade novels. And, not only is Elly an amazing storyteller, but she's also an attorney (WOW)! Elly has been a huge supporter of all of my bookish endeavors, and I was thrilled to have her on my podcast! Learn more about Elly's fascinating life, as well as her writing journey, in our talk! 

 I had the huge honor of interviewing the one and only film maker and middle-grade author of "The Basketball Game," Hart Snider! Hart is a director, writer, and story editor, who’s edited films and series for CBC, NFB, Paramount Television, Nat Geo, Global, History, Food Network, NBA Canada, and more, and yes, on top of all this, he’s also a published author! Not to mention Hart’s been Honored by the government of Alberta Canada and winner of most inspirational short film, as well as recognized for many of his incredible film and writing projects. 

 In this interview, I talk everything Jewish-themed books with Joanne Levy, author of many middle-grade novels for kids. Joanne has been a supporter of my book  journey from the start, so I hold this interview extremely close to my heart! Watch & learn about literacy advocacy, how to fight antisemitism & more!  Visit www.joannelevy.com for more information! 

Award-Winning Writers Eric & Paul are two of the most clever authors I've had the chance to talk with. Their silly, yet smart personalities make them a dynamic duo. Join me as we learn about their novel "On the Line," the ins and outs of writing & publishing, and so much more! For more information about these two, check out their Twitter account, and websites! They're two interesting and informative people on the internet! 

In this interview, I talk everything literacy with the founder of Bernie's Book Bank & the FReadom USA, Brian Floriani! His insights were inspiring & interesting! Be sure to watch our chat to learn the ins and outs of advocating for kids in need of reads!  Check out freadomusa.com and berniesbookbank.org for more info!

In this video I talk "everything books" with Stacy Nockowitz, an educator, literacy advocate, and now Author! Watch and find out about her debut thrilling, Jewish themed, middle grade novel, "The Prince of Steel Pier," as well as, growing up in the 70's! 

"The Prince of Steel Pier"  will be on the shelves Sept. 1, 2022! 

You can Pre-order now!

Follow her writing journey at: https://www.stacynockowitz.com/about

Are you looking for a thrilling MG adventure with added queer themes and more? Well, I have the book for you! "Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston" is the perfect mix of meaning and excitement! Esme Symes-Smith did a brilliant job on their debut novel! Listen to our interview to find out more about Callie, the writing process, and EVERYTHING BOOKS!

 Meet Sammie Vance! A 13-year-old kindness advocate and fellow podcaster who started the meaningful Sammie's Buddy Bench project, a positive movement to promote friendship, and kindness. Sammie's been featured on the "Today Show," "NBC Nightly News" & has received many notable accolades. Through it all, Sammie shares that "You don't just have to be an adult to make a difference, you can be a kid too!" Such a great talk, and we hope you'll listen!  To learn more about Sammie's buddy bench project, check out her website sammiesbuddybenchproject.com