E Train Talks YouTube Interviews

 
 This is my chat with Malia Maunakea! In this interview I shine a light on an author who’s spreading kindness and generosity in the world, as well as introducing us to an incredible new book hero, a Hawaiian heroine, Lei, who’s teaching us how to be strong, courageous and fierce. Lei is the amazing main character in Malia's debut middle-grade novel, “LEI & THE FIRE GODDESS.” A book that Kirkus Reviews describes as “An exhilarating, adventure-filled celebration of Hawaiian culture."  If you want to learn more about Malia writing book journey, check out her website at: https://www.maliamaunakea.com/ 

 
My author guest, Lindsey Leigh really knows her stuff when it comes to science, writing, and even art! Her stories combine fascinating and curious facts, with the bonus of bold, fun and engaging art! She's the well known creator of amazing and interesting science-based comics and she’s recently come out with a new children's book, THE DEEP! WILD LIFE AT THE OCEAN’S DARKEST DEPTHS! Lindsey has some new middle-grade stories on the horizon, and you'll learn about those and lots more when you watch MY INTERVIEW WITH LINDSEY LEIGH! 

 
 I had an amazing time talking with the wonderful middle-grade author Jessica Speer! Jessica writes books that middle-schoolers need! With a master’s degree in social sciences, as well as lots of hands on experience exploring social and emotional topics with kids, Jessica is something of a middle-school expert! Better yet, she’s taken all her knowledge and written three fun and fact filled books, "Middle School – "Safety Goggles Advised,"  "BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships," and her newest book "THE PHONE BOOK: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand!" Three reads that you and your kids will love! So, If you want a guide to teach your kids about the dangers of the online world and give them tools to survive middle school, or you just want to catch and be "in the know" of what kids' text slang is these days, then Jessica Speer's short, but insightful reads are perfect for you and your kids! Find out more by watching our fun and interesting interview!  Follow Jessica Speer's writing journey at: https://jessicaspeer.com/ 

 
Nick Brooks has a STORY to tell and he's sharing it on E Train Talks! From writing books with strong lovable characters, to speaking from the heart in his incredible short films, to channeling his feelings into his hip hop tunes, Nick has done it ALL!!  He is an inspiration,  he is PROOF that if you work hard, you can do anything!  Nick's books are so special and deserve all the praise in the world. Nick's first middle-grade work of fiction, NOTHING INTERESTING EVER HAPPENS TO ETHAN FAIRMONT is an epic out of this world tale, with a curious protagonist, a hidden alien, and meaningful life lessons woven into this spectacular story! His Young Adult debut PROMISE BOYS is a thrilling story of three boys, all prime suspects in a school related murder. There's betrayal, friendship, drama, and much more, all packed into this mystery masterpiece!  But don't take my word for it! Watch my interview with the man, the myth, and the legend, NICK BROOKS!  Thanks for watching my interview with Nick Brooks. You can follow Nick's journey at: www.thenickbrooks.com 

 If you’re in the mood for a fun, lively & inspiring interview, you’ve come to the right place! Check out my talk with the amazing Jake Maia Arlow!  In honor of Pride Month, I sat down virtually with the FABULOUS author Jake Maia Arlow! Jake is an award-winning middle-grade and young adult author, whose stories are relatable and seriously relevant works of writing art! I was so excited to have the chance to talk with Jake about their newest middle-grade realistic fiction, diverse masterpiece, THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET. This book includes themes of queerness, Judaism, family drama, and even touches on the subject of Crohn’s disease, Jake packs this epic & heartwarming middle school adventure with everything needed to make THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TIOLET your next favorite MGLIT read! But don’t take my word for it, watch our epic talk and find out more (and read Jake's book)!  Want to learn more! Check out Jake Maia Arlow's website at: https://www.jakewhosagirl.com/ 

 Today we are celebrating Juneteenth with my very special guest, Alliah L. Agostini, author of the powerful picture book, THE JUNETEENTH STORY: CELEBRATING THE END OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITES STATES! I invite you to watch, learn and celebrate with us, as we honor the holiday Juneteenth!    But wait, there's more! In my interview with Alliah, we'll also be discussing her inspirational writing journey & books, from THE JUNETEENTH STORY to BIG TUNE: RISE OF THE DANCEHALL PRICE, and her upcoming Little Golden Book about Oprah Winfrey!  There's so much to learn from author Alliah L. Agostini! Come celebrate and open your heart & mind with us!  Alliah's work has been featured on CNN, the TODAY Show, GoodHouseKeeping, and more. You can follow Alliah's journey on social media and on her website at: www.alliahagostini.com 

 "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