E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

Ethan Minton: Book Reviewer, Reader, and Author Interviewer!
  • 4.1 (9)
  • Books
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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. 2d ago

    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

  2. 2d ago

    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

  3. 2d ago

    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

  4. 2d ago

    Frederick Joseph: 3× NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author and Activist | Book Talk

    I was truly honored to welcome award-winning and NYT Bestselling author, Frederick Joseph to E Train Talks. In case you didn't know, ​⁠ is a three-time New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has written powerful books for readers of all ages. In this interview, we discussed THIS THING OF OURS, EVERYTHING’S NOT LOST, and PLANTING HOPE, along with a few of his other meaningful and thought-provoking books. Frederick’s commitment to creating positive change reaches far beyond his writing. He created the #BlackPantherChallenge, a fundraising campaign that raised nearly $1 million and helped more than 73,000 children around the world see BLACK PANTHER in theaters. His writing and activism have earned him numerous honors, including recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. This was a phenomenal conversation, one I won't soon forget and will forever cherish! It was fun, engaging, and full of surprises! 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.

  5. 6d ago

    The Story Behind DUDE. BE NICE! With Sarah Scheerger and Brent Camalich

    “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/...

  6. Jul 2

    EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST By Frederick Joseph - BOOK REVIEW - A 5 Star Young Adult Read!

    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!

  7. May 12

    KATIE KIRBY Interview: Inside the World of LOTTIE BROOKS

    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

  8. Apr 16

    Uniting Against Book Bans - WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE, an Empowering Graphic Novel Based on True Events!

    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)

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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
    241
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ethan Minton: Book Reviewer, Reader, and Author Interviewer!
  • Show Website
    E Train Talks Books: A Literacy Initiative

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