E Train's World of Books & Wonder

01/24/2025

The winners of the 74th Annual National Jewish Book Awards were announced by the Jewish Book Council! Congratulations (Mazel tov!) to all the winning stories and authors, from middle-grade, to memoirs, to more! Each and every one of the winning books are incredibly special. The stories inspire, entertain, and educate readers about the rich and diverse Jewish culture. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to share the results! For the full list of winners click the link: https://bit.ly/4g1YB6d

Jewish Kidlit Mavens

Attend the 74th Nation­al Jew­ish Book Awards Cel­e­bra­tion

01/24/2025

I'm super excited to be presenting at the 2025 California School Library AssociationAnnual Conference in San Jose, CA on February 1st! I'll be up bright and early leading a discussion on how IT TAKES A VILLAGE: RAISE READERS, RAISE LEADERS! Books really do change lives and school librarians are the unsung heroes to millions of children! If you're attending the CSLA Conference, I hope you'll join me & help celebrate stories that inspire kids to change the world! Find out more📚➡️https://csla.net/events/conference-2025/

01/22/2025

📚Book Review📚
WITH A LITTLE LUCK by NYT Bestselling Author Marissa Meyer, YA Author, is a heartwarming love story intertwined with twists & turns, music, & some unexpected fate. It’s a perfectly crafted classic rom com that I swiftly read in one sitting!

As the story begins, we find ourselves in the town of Ventura Beach, a coastal paradise full of charm and the hometown of our protagonist, Jude Barnett. Jude is a talented artist who loves comics and D&D and works at the very popular Ventura Records store, owned by his parents. And yes, if you’ve not guessed it by now, Jude is named after the song “Hey Jude.” Jude is one boy in a house with 4 sisters, and each child has their own unique personality and backstory, creating an intriguing and unexpected layer to the story.

Back to Jude’s story…
Jude’s best friend is a girl named Ari, a talented musician with a bright future. The two friends have been tight for years & truly understand & accept each other, their quirks and strengths. However, as far as romance goes, Jude has his eyes set on a different girl, Maya, and Jude has been hopelessly in love with her for years. But Maya is completely out of his league and Jude is stuck in the friendzone, that is until something surprising, maybe even magical, happens. On the day of his best friend Ari’s performances, Jude comes upon a ruby red 20-sided die (perfect for Jude’s favorite game Dungeons & Dragons) and it seems that after this sudden discovery, Jude’s luck turns for the better, Jude becomes popular & is feeling on top of the world, but is all this new found luck bringing him everything he’d hoped for? Does getting the girl of your dreams mean instant happiness? And, what about his best friend Ari? How will she fit into his new life? All will be revealed in this sweet, sure to keep you holding your breath & at the edge of your reading seat, waiting to see what happens next! WITH A LITTLE LUCK is a story that will take your heart on a bit of a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs, lessons to be learned, and coming of age romantic moments to be shared! Meyer is a master of keeping her readers engaged! 10/10

Published by Macmillan Publishers




E Train's World of Books & Wonder

01/21/2025

Great News! If you’re a tween or teen who dreams of becoming a published author, then StoryCon is the place to be! With speeches, tips, insights and guidance being shared by best-selling authors like, Jeff Kinney, the creator of Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jennifer A. Nielsen, author of The False Prince & Iceberg, and Christopher Paolini author of the international bestsellers Eragon & Inheritance, plus you’ll get the chance to learn from amazing editors, and industry professionals! I can’t wait to attend STORYCON 2025 & look forward to seeing you there too!! See you at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City from Feb 21-22. I can’t wait! Visit storycon.org for more information! is organized by Operation Literacy Find out more at: https://www.storycon.org/

E Train's World of Books & Wonder
Teen Author Boot Camp Operation Literacy Aaron N. Hall - #1 Amazon Bestselling Author

01/20/2025

One of my dreams is be a journalist and I was so honored & excited when Political Correspondent & friend Eytan Wallace, offered to give me a tour of the FOX40 News station! I learned so much about the industry & made some fantastic connections with incredible members of the Fox 40 team, like Sports Director Andrew Marden and News Anchor Cedric Hood! I’ll never forget this day! Thank you so much Eytan Wallace!


E Train's World Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

01/19/2025

This is my book review of THE FIRST CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL GEORGE WASHINGTON by New York Times Bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. THE FIRST CONSPIRACY is a fantastic read that shares a piece of American history that's not often taught in the classrooms or examined in textbooks. THE FIRST CONSPIRACY is filled with intriguing stories about our nation's first president, George Washington, and includes events leading up to the early beginnings of the CIA and counterintelligence. A compelling, fast-paced read that's based on real events, research, and a bit of intuition. The story shares declassified documents and letters that push readers to think deeper and question more. Be sure to check out THE FIRST CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL GEORGE WASHINGTON!

I personally read a young readers edition, created for a teenage audience, but for adults looking for a longer, more in depth version, check out the original. And, while you're at it, I highly recommend reading more of Meltzer and Mensch's fascinating and exciting novels.

Title: THE FIRST CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL GEORGE WASHINGTON
Authors: Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch
Publisher: Roaring Book Press, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers
Book Review by: E Train's World (Ethan)
https://youtu.be/4E5j9psMF5E

This is my book review of THE FIRST CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL GEORGE WASHINGTON by New York Times Bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch....

01/17/2025

Friends... Be sure to check out the film NO ADDRESS! It's an important film with a profoundly important and impactful message!
https://youtu.be/PJtwlllynjg?si=CkXpBh1OCi4Qtg5Z
https://www.robertcraigfilms.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawH3yFZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYFRPoflb_XyOY__1ncBAOon0-j7GL8-gszTcdgOEn5GzF1Rp9zpI764ew_aem_TFElZzq1lc8v5pZGjBmbxw

Thank you Robert Craig Films

01/17/2025

What do you get when you bring two Newbery Medal Winning Authors together to write a story? No, that’s not the punchline of a joke, it’s the reality of this brand new novel, J VS. K by superstar writing duo Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander. I feel so lucky & blessed to have had the chance to read this groundbreaking and uplifting middle-grade story before many others! Craft and Alexander use their writing superpowers for good and find a way to write a fun and entertaining story that sends a powerful message! I won’t give the entire story away, but I will say that after reading
J VS. K readers will discover why Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander aren't just talented writers, but also amazing humans! With elements of verse, comics, prose and classic storytelling, J VS. K has it all! J VS. K gives kids a memorable and impactful read that kids, parents, teachers and librarians will love! Be sure to watch my review for a few story sneak peaks! Thanks J & K!

Title: J VS. K
Author: Kwame Alexander & Jerry Craft
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Date: May 6, 2025 (preorder before!)
Book Review by: E Train (Ethan)

Hachette Book Group

What do you get when you bring two Newbery Medal Winning Authors together to write a story? No, that’s not the punchline of a joke, it’s the reality of this ...

01/10/2025

There is so much to love about RADIANT, a deeply moving book by Coretta Scott King Award Winner, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. The author takes us back to 1963, a pivotal year in the Civil Rights Movement, and in general a scary time for the black community. The pages bring us to Pittsburgh, to a primarily white suburb, where we meet our main character Cooper Dale. Filled with historical, social, and political knowledge and references, Vaunda's words take young readers back in time and paints a vivid picture of what it would be like to live in Cooper's world, a world of a young black girl trying to shine her light in a time where many are determined to dim it, but Cooper, like the title suggests, finds a way! A profoundly meaningful tale that inspires kindness and reminds us that things aren't always as they appear, and there's almost always more to the story. 10/10!

Title: RADIANT
Author: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers, A Division of Penguin Kids & Penguin Random House
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
Book Review by: E Train (Ethan)

There is so much to love about RADIANT, a deeply moving middle-grade book by Coretta Scott King Award Winner, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. The author takes us bac...

01/07/2025

In my most recent Good Day Sacramento book segment I spoke with New York Times Bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen, about her newest book ONE WRONG STEP, coming out on March 4th 2025! Be sure to watch me on Good Day Sac & be sure to read Jennifer’s books. They are some of my all time favorite historical fiction novels & will be yours too.

**Using one of the world's greatest -- and most infamous -- mountains as a backdrop, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen's storytelling climbs to new heights in this touching, thrilling epic about grief, letting go, and the bonds that keep us alive.

Thanks to my bow tie wearing twin Cody Stark for giving me the chance to share my book love with all of you!

Scholastic

In my most recent Good Day Sacramento Book segment I spoke with New York Times Bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen about her newest book ONE WRONG STEP, c...

01/06/2025

Book Blog: THE PRINCESS SWAP

What if, once upon a time, Cinderella finds herself in the castle of “The Beast,” Belle’s Beast, and not only that, but Ella (our beloved Cinderella) who’s typically accustomed to sleeping in the cellar of her stepmother’s home, arises from her slumber in a soft comfortable bed in a place that feels safe and full of comforts, yet Ella knows she’s not home.
New chapter… Belle awakes and sees the sun come up from a strange basement. She is staring up at a dark chimney, and comes face to face with two young women (Ella’s step-sisters) and an older woman (Ella’s stepmother), whom she’d never met. Something’s going on.. This is a story filled with excitement and intrigue. THE PRINCESS SWAP is the story of what would happen if Ella and Belle, two of the most notable princesses in Disney history, switched places. Will there still be a fairy godmother, a ball where everything changes? Will Belle be able to change her family’s fate? Still, even more perplexing, Will true love still prevail or will these two princesses desire a new happily ever after? But, most importantly, will Belle and Ella want to go back to their previous lives? So many questions, and the answers can only be found when you read this creative and magical tale by author Kim Bussing!

THE PRINCESS SWAP is a fun and fascinating twist on two Disney classic fairy tales we know and love, and the perfect story for readers young and old! Published by Random House Children's Books and out on Tuesday, January 7th. This is the perfect read for all the happily ever after reading lovers!

Author Kim Bussing writes fairy tales for children and adults and is the debut author of the Princess Swap series. She has an MFA from the University of Arizona, and her shorter work has appeared in various publications and has received several awards. Kim is obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera and gluten-free croissants. Originally from Seattle, Washington, she currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.

www.etraintalks.com

01/05/2025

Exciting News! If you’re a tween or teen currently or looking for tips, insights & guidance from the best authors around, look no further than STORYCONUSA! Put on by Operation Literacy
STORYCONUSE is taking place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City from Feb 21-22. Authors like , the creator of Diary of a Wimpy Kid & Shannon Hale author of REAL FRIENDS, plus so many more, are going to be running keynotes & holding workshops dedicated to helping and young adults conquer & achieve their writing dreams! I can’t wait! Visit http://storycon.org for more information!

Teen Author Boot Camp

01/05/2025

SPY SCHOOL GOES WILD by the legendary author
Stuart Gibbs is another fabulous installment in Gibbs’ popular & beloved SPY SCHOOL series! Every BOOK in the SPY SCHOOL collection is on point and never misses a suspenseful beat! I highly recommend SPY SCHOOL GOES WILD, and in this video, I’ll tell you why!
https://youtube.com/shorts/73TR2WOoNzM


SimonKIDS

SimonBooks

12/23/2024

Hallmark, watch out because LET IT GLOW by award winning authors Marissa Meyer, YA Author & Joanne Levy is movie material. This story is so sweet & the perfect homage to the joys & humor of the beloved classic movie, THE PARENT TRAP, Two identical twins, separated at birth, but these kind-hearted look-alikes are adopted by completely different families. Not adopted together, or even known to each other, but still, two pieces of the same heart. Not only that, but LET IT GLOW is a meaningful, diverse & heartfelt story that celebrates both & . The perfect holiday read for any age!

Macmillan Publishers Jewish Kidlit Mavens

Hallmark, watch out because this book right here, LET IT GLOW by award winning authors Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy is movie material. This story is so swee...

12/23/2024

I love talking to kids about stories & I had the such a wonderful visit at my former elementary school talking Shalom School Sacramento with 1st & 2nd graders! We chatted about the magic of reading and of course, Hanukkah! And we all dived into the holiday spirit when I read aloud the very fun & festive tale HANUKKAH PAJAMAKKAHS by author Dara Henry! There was so much laughter & smiles! And, thanks to the generosity of author Dara Henry Writes & Sourcebooks publishing, I was able to give each student their own brand new copy of “Hanukkah Pajamakkahs” to keep & cherish always. HolidayFun

Jewish Kidlit Mavens

12/16/2024

I had the honor of speaking with 6 of the remarkable authors that contributed to the , meaningful & heartfelt anthology, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS! Edited by award-winning author Henry L Herz, every story reminds readers of the hopes, dreams and love shared by the people. Watch my talk and open your hearts & minds to the powerful impact their stories will have on you!

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS is a book that needs to be in all & ! Watch my with authors:
Nancy Churnin Alan Silberberg Erica Perl Terri Libenson
Bridget Hodder& Kimberly Brubaker Bradley to see why!

Albert Whitman & Company Stand Up to Jewish Hate

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: 16 HANUKKAH STORIES, edited by award-winning author Henry Herz, is an incredible middle-grade anthology that portrays the diverse hi...

12/14/2024

I’m proud to share that my nonprofit E Train Talks, Inc. E Train's World of Books & Wonder is a partner of the No Address Movement! Be sure to watch the No Address Movie trailer & then go see this important film when it’s out in theaters on 2/28/25! 🫶
https://youtu.be/PJtwlllynjg?si=fixnxclhrTYtfiB7

GivingTuesdaySpark GivingTuesday Robert Craig Films

Inspired by true events, this compelling drama captures the journey of a group of individuals experiencing homelessness. The film is a cinematic exploration ...