“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

WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE is a phenomenal young adult / upper middle-grade graphic novel written by librarian Jarrett Dapier and illustrated by AJ DungoAn empowering graphic novel inspired by the true story of a group of Chicago high students who stand up together and fight to overturn the system-wide ban of Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.“WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE” IS A NATIONAL BESTSELLER & A BOOKLIST BEST YA GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR!Dapier and Dungo have crafted a heartfelt, page turning, and extremely timely 10/10 must read!TAP PLAY to watch my review & SUBSCRIBE to my channel to gain early access to future book reviews and interviews.Title: WAKE NOW IN THE FIREAuthor: Jarrett Dapier Illustrator: AJ DungoPublisher: Ten Speed Graphic is a an imprint run by Ten Speed Press, and part of Crown Publishing Group at Penguin Random House.Book review by: Ethan (E Train)

THE BLUE DRESS by author Rebecca Morrison is the perfect #kidlit story for anyone who’s felt like they don’t fit in or for readers trying to understand the daily struggles tweens and teens are going through. The story follows 12-year-old Yasmin Safavi, an Iranian American girl navigating body image issues, the pressure of her mother’s strict cultural expectations, and the emotional stresses of friendships and feeling accepted.👉🏼THE BLUE DRESS is a heartfelt and relatable #Mglit must read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

John Masiulionis is the founder of PR From The Heart, a leading PR firm in children’s literature, where he helps storytellers from well-known performers to acclaimed authors grow their platforms and share meaningful stories. John is also the author of the award-winning children’s picture book "Walking Each Other Home: Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children," inspired by his personal experiences. The book gently introduces young readers to grief and serious illness while serving as a resource for families. John’s story also reflects his broader mission to create a children’s hospice that offers support, comfort, and hope.Like me, John is dedicated to uplifting others’ storytelling journeys, so today, let’s show him that same love. Thanks for all you do, John. Keep being you!Here’s how to Follow John Masiulionis Website: www.JohnMasiulionis.com Facebook: @JohnMasiulionis Instagram: @JohnMasiulionisX: @JohnMasiulionisLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-masiulionis-43984aa7John Masiulionis is a seasoned public relations professional with over 12 years of experience helping KidLit creatives share their gifts and expand their reach worldwide.Title: Walking Each Other Home – Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for ChildrenAuthor: John MasiulionisIllustrator: Roksana BarwinskaPublisher: Trolley Stop Publishing, 2026Book review by: Ethan (E Train)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

I’ve been interviewing authors for over four years, and this is my very first Passover Panel. I couldn’t be more excited to bring together such an incredible group of storytellers for a lively, meaningful, and festive conversation.In this special episode, we’re celebrating the middle-grade anthology ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS: A PASSOVER CELEBRATION IN 14 STORIES. Joining me from across the country are ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS book editors, Chris Baron, Joshua Levey, and Naomi Milliner, along with contributing authors Laura Shovan and Mari Lowe. And that’s not all! Chef Susan Barocas also joins the panel to share her unforgettable experience cooking Passover dinner at the White House.Stick around until the end, when the panel jumps into a fast-paced, fun-filled Passover trivia round you won’t want to miss.BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR MORE INTERVIEWS... BOOK REVIEWS.. AND READING JOY!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.orgE Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded by Ethan Minton at just 11-years old. Now a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday Teen leader, 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 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.

I am deeply honored to share my interview with the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner Marcella Pixley, author of the middle-grade book, NESHAMA. Marcella Pixley is the the talented storyteller behind the profoundly meaningful middle-grade novel-in-verse, NESHAMA, and I'm so grateful to have the privledge to interviewer her.

Marcella puts her heart and soul into her writing and it shows in her storytelling. It was such a joy learning more about the story behind her beautiful award-winning novel. Watch my talk with Marcella to learn more about her writing journey and be sure to check out my book review to discover more about NESHAMA.