“We were sick of the bad news. So we sought out to build more positive communities, one video at a time.” - Dude. Be Nice This episode is especially near and dear to my heart because my guests bring the worlds of “books and good deeds”together in one very special conversation.I’m joined by children’s book author and school social worker Sarah Scheerger and Brent Camalich, founder of dude. be nice, a movement that celebrates everyday heroes and shows how kindness can bring people and communities together.Sarah and Brent teamed up to craft the picture book, “Dude. Be Nice” a story that isn’t only a a wonderful children's book, but is also part of a national kindness movement! Fun fact! Sarah Scheerger was the very first author I ever interviewed on E Train Talks, when I was just eleven years old! It was extra special to welcome her back to the show!Watch my interview with these two amazing humans and be inspired to start your own journey to being nice!Thanks for watching! Please support my work with a like & subscribe. Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate, podcaster and aspiring journalist. Ethan is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train Talks Literacy Initiative sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, Ethan not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation. Support my mission and follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.orgTo donate to my literacy initiative: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/...

In this video, I’m sharing my thoughts on EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST by Frederick Joseph, a powerful Young Adult novel that releases on October 20, 2026.In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m highlighting EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST because of its deeply emotional and important themes surrounding grief, guilt, and mental illness.This story follows Ella as she navigates overwhelming loss, guilt, and self-blame, showing how easily someone can become isolated when struggling with trauma and mental health challenges. Frederick has written a heartbreaking, honest, and thought-provoking read that explores how complex and layered healing can be.EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST is a story that invites reflection and conversation, and I honestly can't recommend this book enough. Frederick has crafted a deeply moving, captivating, hard-to-put-down 5-star must read!

In my newest interview, I’m talking with bestselling British author and illustrator Katie Kirby! Katie is best known for creating the hugely popular LOTTIE BROOKS middle-grade series, which first launched in 2021 with THE EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING LIFE OF LOTTIE BROOKS.The LOTTIE BROOKS series has sold more than 1.6 million copies in the U.K., and Katie’s books have been compared to such hit series as DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney and DORK DIARIES by Rachel Renée Russell. With 10 books already released in the U.K. and 2 now available in the U.S., Katie’s books are quickly becoming favorite reads for American tweens too!If you or a tween you know loves funny, relatable books and awkward middle school moments, be sure to check out my interview with Katie Kirby, the creator of the bestselling LOTTIE BROOKS series, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday teen leader. E Train is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation. Follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.org