E Train Talks: A Literacy Initiative

Ethan Minton: Founder of E Train Talks, Inc.
  • 4.1 (9)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I'm Ethan, 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 to children in low-income communities and schools. To date, I've donated over 8,000 new books throughout the Sacramento area. Please join my podcast community by subscribing to my channel and following my reading journey at www.etraintalks.org I accept no payment for my book reviews or interviews. If you'd like to support my non profit and help me give new books to underprivileged children, please donate at: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundr

  1. 6D AGO

    ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS Passover Panel with 6 Amazing Storytellers + A White House Passover Tale!

    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.

    47 min

  2. FEB 10

    My Interview with 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner Marcella Pixley

    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.

    22 min

  3. FEB 10

    My Book Review of NESHAMA, the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner, by Author Marcella Pixley.

    These are my thoughts on Neshama, the beautiful, award-winning middle-grade novel in verse by Marcella Pixley.Neshama, a Hebrew word meaning “soul,” “spirit,” or “breath,” is deeply rooted in Jewish spirituality, and it is the perfect title for such a meaningful, healing story. There is so much more I could say about this soulful novel in verse, but I highly recommend picking up a copy at your local bookstore or library and experiencing it for yourself.It is clear why Neshama was honored with the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award. This is a book that truly lives up to its name, a story that will be loved by readers of all ages, all generations, and all backgrounds. 10 out of 10.Title: NESHMAAuthor: Marcella PixleyPublisher: CandlewickReviewer: Ethan Minton (E Train)Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book.

    2 min

  4. FEB 3

    Purim Children's Book Author Panel Celebrating Three New PJ Library books!

    Purim is almost here, and I’ve the perfect way to start preparing for the holiday fun! Watch my interview to discover three brand new Purim themed stories that bring the holiday to life for young readers.In this special episode, I'm interviewing three wonderful children’s book authors: Nancy Churnin, Barbara Kimmel, and Varda Livney. Their stories beautifully capture Jewish holidays and traditions, bringing them to life for young readers. In this conversation, we spotlight their new board books, which help kick off PJ Library’s brand new Toddler Book Launch, a meaningful initiative that shares stories written especially for toddlers and distributed for families to enjoy in homes across the country and around the world by PJ Library. Watch and Enjoy! Purim begins the evening of Mon, Mar 2, 2026 – Tue, Mar 3, 2026Subscribe to my Channel to be kept in the know! BOOKS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:PURIM BASKETSWritten by Nancy Churnin ‪@nancychurninbooks‬ Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford Publication Date: February 1, 2026Publisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 6 Months to 2 YearsPurim Baskets will be distributed to 20,000 one-year olds this February.Find out more at: www.nancychurnin.comPURIM POSSIBILITIESWritten by Barbara Kimmel @barbarakimmelIllustrated by Irina AvgustinovichPublisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 3 years and upFind out more at: https://barbarakimmelwrites.com/Purim Possibilities will be distributed to 39,000 three-year old subscribers this February.TODAY I AM A HAMANTASCH: A POEM FOR PURIMWritten by Varda LivneyIllustrated by Varda LivneyPublisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 6 Months to 2 YearsFind out more at: https://vardaart.com/Today I Am a Hamantasch will be distributed to 9,000 zero-year old subscribers in February.

    31 min

  5. JAN 26

    Tu B’Shvat Children's Book Author Panel! 🌳📚

    I’m excited to be hosting a special children's author panel conversation celebrating Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, a eco-friendly holiday that invites us to reflect on growth, roots, and our connection to the natural world.🌳📚I’m honored to be interviewing three children’s book creators whose special Tu B’Shvat themed stories engage toddlers, young readers and families alike. Sitting across from me virtually are multi–award-winning picture book author Karen Rostoker-Gruber; yoga teacher and picture book author Lisa Schreiber; and award-winning picture book and middle-grade author Pamela Ehrenberg! If you love the Tu B'Shvat holiday as much as I do, or if you're interested in learning more about this wonderful holiday, I invite you to click play and help me celebrate the Birthday of the Trees!In this special "E Train Talks Earth" Jewish Holiday episode, I'm highlighting three special toddler/preschool Tu B'Shvat stories:"Lessons From A Tree: Yoga Poses for Happy Kids" by author Lisa Schreiber "Happy Birthday, Trees" by Karen Rostoker-Gruber  @karenrostoker-gruber6493  "Planting Parsley" by Pamela Ehrenberg A 2026 E Train Talks "Earth" special episodePowered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book.

    32 min

  6. JAN 16

    Award-Winning Author Torrey Maldonado Talks About his Picture Book JUST RIGHT!

    In this interview I speak with one of my favorite storytellers, award-winning author Torrey Maldonado! Torrey is a light in the darkness, and in the words of the great Maya Angelou, he's a "rainbow" in the world's cloud, spreading joy and positivity everywhere he goes, including in his books! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a light on his first picture book JUST RIGHT through this inspirational talk!Born and raised in Brooklyn, Torrey Maldonado is an acclaimed author and educator whose work impacts middle grade, young adult, and elementary school literature. He approaches thirty years teaching in NYC and has been celebrated by two Chancellors as a top culturally responsive educator. Named Best Books of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post, Oprah, and The NY Times, HANDS, WHAT LANE?, TIGHT, and SECRET SATURDAYS are inspired by his and his students’ lives. They're praised for their authenticity about friendship, family, and choices. As someone who reads and loves Torrey Maldonado's books, I invite you to watch my newest interview with Torrey and click play my reviews of Torrey's outstanding books.

    42 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    My Interview With New York Times Bestselling Author of YA & Middle-Grade, Lance Rubin!

    My talk with New York Times Bestselling author Lance Rubin was nothing short of legendary! From deep talks about the pros and cons of AI, to a fun look back at his career in theater, to the celebration of his latest stories, this interview had it all!Lance is the author of the “Denton Little’s Death Date” a page turning phenomenal YA series, as well as a brand-new fantastic middle-grade book entitled “Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend,” a uniquely relevant and read worthy story I can’t recommend enough! And coming in early 2026, Lance’s newest YA novel, "16 Forever," which I’m incredibly excited about.I highly recommend checking out all of Lance Rubin's books, you won’t regret it!Be sure to check out my “Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend” book review

    37 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    E Train Talks Hanukkah Heroes 2025 Author Panel!

    WELCOME TO MY HANUKKAH HEROES 2025 AUTHOR PANEL! In this video, I'm speaking with five wonderful Jewish storytellers, authors and illustrators, who've brought some of the sweetest and most meaningful Festival of Lights books to life. Their stories brighten the season for young readers from preschool through middle school. I invite you to join in the Hanukkah reading celebration, as we peek into these five amazing authors creative journeys.Henry Herz: https://www.henryherz.com/Dara Henry: https://www.darahenry.com/Janie Emaus: https://www.janieemaus.com/Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky: https://kerryolitzky.com/homeMartha Simpson: https://www.martha-seif-simpson.com/Now's your chance to click play and spend some time learning, smiling and celebrating Hanukkah! Thanks for tuning into my channel. Please support my literacy journey by liking and subscribing! 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), at 11-years-old. Now, 4 years later, at 15, Ethan is an award-winning literacy advocate, book reviewer, kindness ambassador 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.

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

I'm Ethan, 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 to children in low-income communities and schools. To date, I've donated over 8,000 new books throughout the Sacramento area. Please join my podcast community by subscribing to my channel and following my reading journey at www.etraintalks.org I accept no payment for my book reviews or interviews. If you'd like to support my non profit and help me give new books to underprivileged children, please donate at: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundr

Information

  • Creator
    Ethan Minton: Founder of E Train Talks, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ethan Minton: Founder of E Train Talks, Inc.
  • Show Website
    E Train Talks: A Literacy Initiative