E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

Ethan Minton: Book Reviewer, Reader, and Author Interviewer!
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E Train Talks is a book podcast hosted by 15-year-old Ethan Minto, an award-winning literacy advocate, book reviewer, and the host of E Train Talks. E Train Talks is a nonprofit dedicated to spreading book joy! I've interviewed over 150 kids authors and reviewed hundreds of books. If you're an MG, Kidlit or YA book lover like me, please join my podcast community by subscribing to my channel and following my reading journey at www.etraintalks.org If you'd like to support literacy and spread book smiles to children in need, please donate at: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608

  1. Sep 20

    A BETTER WORLD IS POSSIBLE: A Conversation About Climate Change, Youth Activism, and Storytelling

    I’m excited and extremely proud to welcome two amazing storytellers and Earth Heroes who have come together to tackle one of the biggest issues facing our planet, the climate crisis. Meet Meera Subramanian and Danica Novgorodoff. Meera is an award winning environmental journalist, author, and National Geographic Explorer who has spent much of her career writing about climate change, our environment, and the people affected by it. Danica is an award winning artist, writer, and New York Times bestselling illustrator. Together, they bring their unique perspectives and talents to this important conversation about our planet and the climate crisis. Meera and Danica combined their passion for the environment, knowledge, and incredible talent to create A BETTER WORLD IS POSSIBLE: GLOBAL YOUTH CONFRONT THE CLIMATE CRISIS, a powerful nonfiction graphic novel that explores the realities of climate change through the stories of four young climate activists from around the world. Through the real stories of teen climate activists, stunning illustrations, and eye opening statistics about rising global temperatures and the impacts of environmental disasters, Meera and Danica connect the science of climate change with the human lives it is already affecting. As part of my E Train Talks Environmental Literacy Initiative, I visit classrooms, share eco-friendly books, and talk with students about simple ways we can care for our planet and take action on climate change. A BETTER WORLD IS POSSIBLE fits perfectly with the mission of E Train Talks Earth and the work I’m doing to help young people understand that they can make a difference. With their knowledge, creativity, and passion, Meera and Danica have given readers a meaningful way to connect with both the realities of the climate crisis and the solutions that are within our reach. I hope you’ll watch my thoughtful and insightful conversation with these two incredible humans! Be sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations! Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪‪‪​⁠ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 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.

  2. Sep 11

    PEDRO MARTÍN Talks MEXIKID DREAMS 🍓 BOOK TWO 🍓 Pedro's Childhood & Creative Journey

    In his first graphic memoir, MEXIKID, Pedro Martín introduced readers to the unforgettable story of his childhood, family, and a memorable road trip to Mexico. The book went on to receive a Newbery Honor and the Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Awards. Now Pedro is back with MEXIKID DREAMS, and readers once again get to step into the life of young Pedro as he dreams about his future and hopes for a life beyond sharecropping in the strawberry fields. I had such a great time talking with award-winning author and illustrator Pedro Martín about his childhood, his family, and the experiences that eventually found their way into his books. We also talked about his creative journey and something you might not know: before becoming the creator of the critically acclaimed MEXIKID books, Pedro spent more than two decades as an artist at Hallmark! There is so much to learn about Pedro and the stories behind his stories. And, of course, we talk about MEXIKID DREAMS, with some fun sneak peeks into what readers can expect from Pedro’s newest adventure. This was such a fun and interesting conversation. I hope you’ll check it out! MEXIKID DREAMS arrives in the book world on September 1, 2026. Be sure to continue the MEXIKID adventure with book two! Here's where to find out more about Pedro Martin's book journey: https://pedromartinbooks.com Be sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations! Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪‪@etraintalks‬ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 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.

    PEDRO MARTÍN Talks MEXIKID DREAMS 🍓 BOOK TWO 🍓 Pedro's Childhood & Creative Journey

  3. Sep 11

    Terri Libenson Talks EMMIE & FRIENDS | Book 10 | Q&A with E Train

    Celebrating 5 years of E Train Talks with Terri Libenson! I’m so excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author, illustrator, and award-winning cartoonist Terri Libenson to E Train Talks! Terri is the creator of the hugely popular EMMIE & FRIENDS middle-grade series, which blends words, illustrations, and Terri's unique graphic-novel storytelling, while exploring friendship, anxiety, bullying, and the ups and downs of middle school. Terri’s creative journey started long before EMMIE & FRIENDS! We also talk about her work with American Greetings, including L’Chaim, a line of humorous Jewish greeting cards, and her award-winning syndicated comic strip, THE PAJAMA DIARIES. And, most of all, in our Q&A, Terri takes us on a deep dive into her New York Times bestselling EMMIE & FRIENDS series, sharing stories behind many of the books and characters, her creative process, how she brings those characters to life, and the real middle-school experiences woven throughout her stories. And, of course, we talk about her newest book, SERIOUSLY, CELIA?, the 10th book in the EMMIE & FRIENDS series! I had such a fun time talking with Terri, and I’m excited to share our conversation as part of my 5-year E Train Talks celebration! Be sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations! Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪‪​⁠ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 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.

    Terri Libenson Talks EMMIE & FRIENDS | Book 10 | Q&A with E Train

  4. Aug 21

    MIND VS MACHINE I The Chess Match That Changed The World I By Steve Sheinkin & Maurice Ashley

    The hopes of humanity rest on the shoulders of one chess player. It's May 1997 in Manhattan, New York. World champion Garry Kasparov is about to begin a six-game chess match against Deep Blue, the cutting edge IBM supercomputer. MIND VS MACHINE, a middle-grade graphic novel by ​⁠Steve Sheinkin and Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and illustrated by Thien Pham, offers a unique perspective on one of the most consequential sporting events, if you will, in recent history. What stood out to me after reading MIND VS MACHINE is how people 20 years ago were asking very similar questions as today. With the pros and cons of AI currently on everyone's mind, MIND VS MACHINE connects the past to the present in a meaningful and fascinating way. The illustrations are expressive, detailed, and help set the tone of the story. An all-around phenomenal read, in one of my favorite styles of writing, the graphic novel! Watch my book review to hear more about the story and why I think MIND VS MACHINE is a must-read! If you love discovering books that stay with you long after you have finished reading, I think this is one you will want to add to your reading list. Out in September 2026 Title: MIND VS MACHINE Author: Steve Sheinkin and Maurice Ashley Illustrated by: Thein Pham Publisher: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group Book Reviewer: Ethan Minton ‪​⁠ Be sure to subscribe to E Train Talks Books for more book reviews and recommendations! Please note: This review includes - a few spoilers - some details about the story. Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪@etraintalks‬ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan Minton (known as E Train), when he was just 11 years old. Today, Ethan is a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and kindness promoter. E Train Talks 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. Follow Ethan's journey at at: www.etraintalks.org

  5. Aug 15

    Erin Dealey Author Interview | Stories, Big Feelings & the Magic of Books

    WELCOME TO 5 YEARS OF E TRAIN: Celebrating the World of Books! To kick off the celebration, I’m sharing my interview with award-winning children’s author and playwright @erindealey3097! Erin Dealey is a wonderful human and an incredibly talented storyteller. She has written more than 20 picture books filled with humor, heart, creativity, and stories that really connect with readers. I was so happy to have Erin join me for a fun and meaningful conversation about her journey as an author, where her ideas come from, and what goes into creating a picture book. Erin also shares some great stories about her writing process and how her books make their way from an idea to the finished story we get to read. Some of Erin’s many books include DEAR EARTH...FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN ROOM 5, SNOW GLOBE WISHES, BABIES COME FROM AIRPORTS, JUST FLOWERS, SQUIRREL DRAWS BIG FEELINGS, GOLDIE LOCKS HAS CHICKEN POX, and many more! Erin has also been a huge supporter of my literacy journey over the years. She is someone who truly celebrates authors, readers, educators, and the children’s book community as a whole, and I’m really grateful to have her as part of the E Train journey. Watch my interview with Erin to learn more about her books, her writing journey, and the stories behind the stories! You can also discover more of Erin's picture books on her website at: https://erindealey.com/ Be sure to like and subscribe to E Train Talks Books for access to more interviews, book reviews and recommendations! Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪​⁠ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 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.

  6. Aug 10

    THE ODYSSEY Graphic Novel ⭐️Book Review ⭐️ An Epic 5-Star Adventure by Gareth Hinds

    With Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY now in theaters, I’m going back to the legendary story that started it all, but this time in graphic novel form! In this E Train Talks Books review, I’m taking a look at THE ODYSSEY: A GRAPHIC NOVEL: DELUXE EDITION, written and illustrated by ​⁠ Gareth Hinds and published by ​⁠. Hinds transforms Homer’s ancient Greek epic into an exciting and understandable visual adventure filled with gods, monsters, danger, and unforgettable challenges. From Poseidon and Circe to Scylla and Charybdis, this graphic novel brings Odysseus’s legendary journey home to life for all types of readers! The illustrations are incredible, the mythology is all here, and Percy Jackson fans should definitely check this one out! 5 STARS! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Be sure to subscribe to E Train Talks Books for more book reviews and recommendations! Please note: This review includes - a few spoilers - some details about the story. Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ​⁠ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 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

  7. Aug 10

    DOUBLE CROSSED I A Middle-Grade Book by Rebecca E.F. Barone I Questions In a Bottle

    Welcome to my new book review series "Question in a Bottle." This is an E Train Talks video series where I answer questions about interesting upper-middle grade or YA books I've read and recommend! And in this episode, I'm spotlighting DOUBLE CROSSED: THE WWII SPIES WHO SAVED D-DAY! DOUBLE CROSSED: THE WWII SPIES WHO SAVED D-DAY by Rebecca E. F. Barone feels like you're stepping straight into a real-life spy mission, yet it's a true, nonfunctional novel. DOUBLE CROSSED is an action-packed retelling of “Operation Bodyguard," the covert operation of double agents and spies that worked behind the scenes and risked their lives to help fool the Nazis during World War II. If you’re looking for a middle-grade nonfiction story that reads like a thriller, then DOUBLE CROSSED is definitely a book to check out! 10/10 These are my spontaneous answers to questions written by mom to help share my thoughts on this very interesting book.Thanks for watching my new book review series, "Questions in a Bottle"! Be sure to like, subscribe, and check out more book reviews on the channel. Title: Double Crossed: The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day Author: Rebecca E. F. Barone Published by: Henry Holt & Company (an imprint of Macmillan Publishers) Publication Date: 4/28/26 Topics explored: Courage Friendship & Teamwork Loyalty Sacrifice Perseverance Spies & Espionage WWII Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Help me give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and open doors to a brighter future:https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 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

  8. Aug 10

    HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE | ⭐️ Book Review | 🌳 Lynda Mullaly Hunt | 10/10 MUST READ!

    I was lucky enough to read an early copy of HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE by New York Times Bestselling author Lynda Mullaly Hunt, best known for FISH IN A TREE! This beautiful story is filled with both heartbreak and hope, and by the end, Lynda has a way of putting the pieces back together, stronger than before. HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE is a middle-grade story that tweens, teens, and adults alike will find meaningful and deeply enjoyable. It's a story about connection, loss, friendship, and hope, and Lynda's storytelling shows readers how we can help each other through even the hardest moments. Watch my book review to hear more about the story and why I think HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE is a must-read! If you love discovering books that stay with you long after you have finished reading, I think this is one you will want to add to your reading list. Out in February 2027 Title: HOW TO BUILD A MIRACLE Author: Lynda Mullaly Hung​⁠ Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House) 2/16/27 Book Reviewer: Ethan Minton ​⁠ Be sure to subscribe to E Train Talks Books for more book reviews and recommendations! Please note: This review includes - a few spoilers - some details about the story. Powered by E Train Talks, Inc. ‪@etraintalks‬ Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Readers Make Leaders! Support E Train Talks Literacy Initiative and give the gift of books to children in underprivileged communities and help open doors to a brighter future: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608 E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan Minton (known as E Train), when he was just 11 years old. Today, Ethan is a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and kindness promoter. E Train Talks 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. Follow Ethan's journey at at: www.etraintalks.org

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Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

E Train Talks is a book podcast hosted by 15-year-old Ethan Minto, an award-winning literacy advocate, book reviewer, and the host of E Train Talks. E Train Talks is a nonprofit dedicated to spreading book joy! I've interviewed over 150 kids authors and reviewed hundreds of books. If you're an MG, Kidlit or YA book lover like me, please join my podcast community by subscribing to my channel and following my reading journey at www.etraintalks.org If you'd like to support literacy and spread book smiles to children in need, please donate at: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4938608

Information

  • Creator
    Ethan Minton: Book Reviewer, Reader, and Author Interviewer!
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    246
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ethan Minton: Book Reviewer, Reader, and Author Interviewer!
  • Show Website
    E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

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