HERE'S My Story
Ever since I can remember I've been reading every book in my path, from biographies, to historical-fiction, to fantasy, to graphic novels.
But what exactly is my story?
My story begins in a reading nook, snuggling up close to my mom, 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 dancing 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 discovered new ways for me to connect with the outside world, through library virtual book clubs (thank you librarians!). 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, and all thanks to public libraries!
I've read countless books and spoken with amazing librarians from all over! I've met incredible authors, read fascinating stories and I share my reading adventures on the "E Train Talks" Podcast & YouTube Channel! To add to my journey, I founded my own 501(c)3) nonprofit, "E Train Talks, Inc.," to help end children's book deserts ( a book desert is an area where reading materials are difficult to obtain, often times due to lack of funds). Now I'm also sharing new and diverse books with Title One schools, children's hospitals, under-served schools and libraries in low-income communities. To date, I've collected over 7000 books! I'm spreading book joy with kids around the country through school visits, virtual visits, and community events. I'm beyond grateful for this life-changing book journey and I hope you'll travel along with me, as my story is never ending. I invite you to meet authors, listen to book talks, and discover your next favorite read on "E Train Talks!"
Follow my literacy journey & listen to my podcast! Hopefully you'll get inspired to visit new worlds, meet new and interesting characters, and get lost in epic adventures. Contact me at etraintalks@gmail.com to learn more or contribute to my cause!
Ethan - also known as - E Train
Author corner!
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
E Train Talks Inc., Is Voted Sacramento's Youth Development Favorite!
E Train Talks Inc., Is Voted Sacramento's Youth Development Favorite!
E Train Talks Inc., Is Voted Sacramento's Youth Development Favorite!
THE VOTES ARE IN!
E Train Talks, Inc., is a 1st Place 2024 -Gold Winning -Sacramento Favorite!
Thanks to all of my AMAZING book friends for casting your votes and supporting my literacy advocacy journey!
My heart is filled with gratitude!
I couldn’t be prouder!
E Train Talks Inc., Is Named a Sacramento Nonprofit of Distinction
E Train Talks Inc., Is Voted Sacramento's Youth Development Favorite!
E Train Talks Inc., Is Voted Sacramento's Youth Development Favorite!
This will certainly be a day that will stay with me forever! My non-profit was recognized by Assemblyman Keven McCarty of Sacramento, as a nonprofit of distinction. This is a dream come true, I’ve worked hard advocating for early literacy and celebrating reading in the Sacramento community and beyond, so receiving this recognition warms my heart, and motivates me to do more! I’m changing the world one story, one connection and one smile at a time!
California Legislative Certificate of Recognition
E Train Talks Inc., Is Voted Sacramento's Youth Development Favorite!
Receiving an invitation to the State Capital and being honored with a recognition award by Assemblyman Josh Hoover for qualifying & competing in the Middle-School Nationals Quiz Bowl Tournament is a highlight of my year & a day I won't soon forget! I'm so grateful!
California State Senate Certificate of Recognition
I was honored to meet and talk with
San Juan Unified SD superintendent
Melissa Bassanelli, as well as receive two prestigious awards! Thank you so much Senator Roger Niello
& San Juan Unified SD for recognizing & supporting my literary advocacy journey! I am forever grateful.
Spirit of San Juan Video
Spirit of San Juan Video
The "Citrus Heights Messenger" included an article on the recipients of the Spirit of San Juan Award! So proud to be included! Clink the link to read the article: https://www.citrusheightsmessenger.com/2024/04/16/487963/spirit-of-san-juan-awards-celebrated-may-9
Spirt of San Juan Award
Spirit of San Juan Video
I'm so honored to be a recipient of the Spirit of San Juan Award! This award is given by the San Juan Unified School District to individuals who exhibit exceptional character, remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment for all. I couldn't be more proud!
ALL RISE & I CAN HELP AWARD!
WORLD KINDNESS MOVEMENT AWARD!
I’m so honored & grateful to The World Kindness Movement for receiving this work award! Thank you for supporting my literacy advocacy & kindness initiatives. This has been an incredibly rewarding journey & I’m so grateful I’ve been able to give back and spread some kindness and generosity in the world and my community. I plan to continue doing whatever I can to be a force for good.
THANK YOU WORLD KINDNESS MOVEMENT!
THANK YOU WORLD KINDNESS MOVEMENT!
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
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!
Help End Book Deserts and Give All Kids Access to Quality Books!
E train Talks advocates for children in low-income communities & Title One Schools, who lack access to quality, diverse & inclusive books. When you give to my nonprofit you give books to kids who need them most! 100% of all donations go to supporting early literacy!
When I'm not reading you might find me:
Completing in the NAQT(National quiz bowl tournament)
It was an honor to have my school quiz bowl team qualify and compete in the 2024 NAQT. We traveled to Chicago and competed along side 160 middle-schools from across the U.S.! We didn't win the tournament, but we had an fantastic time!
Attending library eveNts like "words with wings"
I was so happy to attend the "Words take Wing," even at my local library! This event was all about honoring diversity in children's literature, with the award-winning author panel of Thanhha Lai, Pam Munoz Ryan, Grace Lin, and Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood. I was lucky enough to get a photo taken with all of these amazing storytellers!
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!
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
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
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!
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
I've always been a fan of trivia, and 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 to the Nationals! It's become a huge favorite past time of mine! You'll even find me playing this summer!
Shooting Hoops
Shooting Hoops
Those who know me, know I not only love watching professional basketball (Go Kings!), but I also love playing basketball too! whenever possible! It's my favorite sport & I sign up to play Buzzard Ball BB every summer!
WALL OF SMILES
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!