Happy Monday! I have the perfect story to kick off your week. DUDE. BE NICE, by author Sarah Scheerger! Scheerger took inspiration from the “Dude. Be Nice” organization when writing this sweet picture book & in my eyes, she perfectly embodied what they stands for. KINDNESS! youtu.be/-X4OoI9wTp8?...

🕎CALL FOR HANUKKAH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHORS!🕎 Hanukkah begins this year on the evening of Sun, Dec 14th and ends on Mon, Dec 22, 2025, and I’m celebrating by hosting a special Q&A podcast with Hanukkah storytellers! Find out more or sign up at: forms.gle/TcNX6DbbShg2... #booksky #authors #podcast

This was a such a special week, I had the chance to read a meaningful story, craft @givingtuesday.bsky.social kindness bookmarks, and give 65 second graders each their own eco-friendly brand new picture book!

Thanks to an incredible grant through @givingtuesday.bsky.social, I had the chance to form a teen giving circle. I partnered w/a local Scouts troop to give to a Sacramento nonprofit. Last night, we took our final vote on which organization to support! The winning nonprofit will be revealed soon!

I spoke with over 100 amazing 1st, 4th & 5th graders at a local Sacramento elementary school. We talked about our favorite #kidlit books, shared smiles & spread @givingtuesday.bsky.social bookmark joy! Each student was given a brand new story to keep & cherish.📚❤️

Today I gave over 100 new books to 1st, 4th & 5th graders at a local Sacramento elementary school. I read a story, talked about the magic of books & shared my bookmark initiative! Stories have the power to change lives & If I can inspire even one child to read, I know I’m on the right path!

The books in this video are heading to local classrooms of 1st, 4th & 5th graders, each with a special Giving Tuesday handwritten inspirational bookmark crafted by children from all over the country! ❤️📚 @flamelauthor.bsky.social @rickriordan.bsky.social @firstbook.org @givingtuesday.bsky.social

Celebrating diversity is something I take very seriously on my reading journey & I’m very happy to share a #Spanish read-aloud of the new multilingual picture book, BABY BALLENA by Award-winning author Mister G & illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero. youtu.be/5j1r3h5OsNA?... #spanish #booksky #kidlit

In my new video, I'm celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Newbery Medal-Winning #kidlit author Meg Medina! youtu.be/_XH1IUKIUlE Meg’s diverse stories beautifully explore themes of identity, family, culture & growing up, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Watch & learn more.

It’s time to kickoff my @givingtuesday.bsky.social Bookmark initiative! From now until 22/2/25, I’m spreading kindness with students, teachers, librarians & readers across the country. This year the theme is “BE KIND TO THE EARTH!” First 5 to sigh up their class get a book! forms.gle/tCUsrGHDcrPr...

This is my interview with #1 NYT Bestselling Author @joshmensch.bsky.social. Josh writes gripping historical nonfiction stories that reveal & uncover fascinating secret plots and assassination attempts that aren't what you'll find in the usual history books! A must watch➡️ youtu.be/XyDLE0ZhUvE?...

Happy New Year! Shanah Tovah! This is my read aloud of TWO NEW YEARS by author Richard Ho & pictures by @lynndoodles.bsky.social This is the story of a family that comes from two diverse cultures, celebrates two festive Lunar New Years & has many beautiful traditions. youtu.be/YWpoXUQO_xc?...

Happy International Day of Peace! To commemorate, I’m reading THE STORY AND SCIENCE OF HOPE by author @andreapcurtis.bsky.social & illustrated by Ana Suárez. “ Hope is more than a feeling. It is a powerful tool to improve our lives and those of our neighbors, friends, and even the planet.”

I’ve recorded over 150 interviews & every podcast closes with the same question. Author Kate DiCamillo’s answer to my question, “If you could be or meet any literary character, who would it be and why?” is the most touching.📚♥️ Be sure to watch the full interview. youtu.be/UZoJNvF5sng?... #booksky

I had the incredible honor of interviewing 2X Newbery Award-Winning author Kate DiCamillo! I’m so grateful! This is one talk you don’t want to miss!♥️📚 youtu.be/UZoJNvF5sng?... @finnpartnerssg.bsky.social @candlewickpress.bsky.social

I’m so grateful to @abc10news.bsky.social for highlighting my literacy journey. E Train Talks began as an idea to celebrate stories & turned into a project that’s changed my life. I’m committed to spreading kindness & changing the world one story at a time! www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lj0...

I've said it before & I’ll say it again: @dangutmanbooks.bsky.social is a #mglit author mastermind. His stories keep readers engaged, entertained & even educated! His new book, THE PICASSO CURSE, is no different. Watch my review & discover why Dan’s new book is a 5 ⭐️ read! youtu.be/slmK_dazNkc?...

Today on the E Train Talks podcast, I’m celebrating 25 years of BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE with an interview of 2X-Newbery Medalist, author Kate DiCamillo. Stay tuned!

I’m excited to share my talk with the wonderful author @naomimilliner.bsky.social Naomi writes heartwarming, coming-of-age stories that touch the soul. I highly recommend reading Naomi’s books, but don't take my word for it, see for yourself, as you dive into our book talk! youtu.be/XQYRbhvR0Gk?si…

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY! ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND is a captivating coming-of-age #mglit masterpiece by NYT Bestselling Author @lancerubinparty.bsky.social. I highly recommend ZED MOONSTEIN MAKES A FRIEND. A 10/10 MUST-READ! @harpercollins.bsky.social youtu.be/LUU1eLyq1ec?si…

SO OVER SHARING by award-winning author Elissa Brent Weissman is a powerful story centering around the mental & emotional harm that can occur “behind the scenes” of family content creators. SO OVER SHARING is a highly relevant, fast-paced & entertaining 10/10 read! youtu.be/RzXcOqvgfl0?...

Happy National Nonprofit Day! Today is a day we recognize and celebrate the positive impact nonprofit organizations are making on communities and the world. The truth is, I could not spread book joy and reach as many children as I do, if it wasn’t for you! Thanks for supporting my literacy journey!

I'm reviewing THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS, a heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, friendship & loss. Author @naomimilliner.bsky.social does a remarkable job blending emotional depth with relatable middle-grade experiences. A powerful read. youtu.be/Mw7gKIFLu0I?si…

It’s time for a read aloud of MONTY AND THE MUSHROOMS by @devpetty.bsky.social & Jared Chapman. This is one of the silliest stories I've read & I've read many! With singing mushrooms, hilarious jokes & fungal forest drama, this really is a story like no other! youtu.be/k3nddW0s6XU?...

It was a day filled with endless book smiles! So proud to be a part of a community that comes together to give! Thank you to all the writers, authors, publishers & book friends who’ve donated to my nonprofit, you make all this giving possible! 📚 #booksky #literacyforall #sacramento

Spent my day giving over 600 new children’s #books to kids in need in the Sacramento area. Over 1500 people signed up to attend Sacramento Mayor McCarty & Vice Mayor Talamantes’ Annual Backpack giveaway! It was incredible watching so many organizations come together to give back to the community.

I’m currently in second place in the first round of the competition. Please vote, and help me reach 1st place. athleteoftheyear.org/2025/ethan-4...

Please vote for me. My mom nominated me. The first vote is free. This scholarship would help me save for college. Thank you! 🫶📚🏀 #booksandbasketball athleteoftheyear.org/2025/ethan-4...

📣 I’ve been nominated as a 2025 Sacramento Favorite & I’d be honored if you’d cast your online vote for E Train Talks at: www.votesacramento.com I’m listed under 2 voting categories! EDUCATION ➡️ YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & SERVICES ➡️ NONPROFIT. Once done, be sure to confirm your vote 4 E Train Talks! Thanks

Special book mail arrived today! Author Yolanda King donated her sweet picture book, IN THE GARDEN WITH YOU for me to give at Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty & Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes’ Backpack Giveaway event on 8/4 Thank you for sharing book joy & for donating to my nonprofit. I’m so grateful!

It was an honor interviewing award-winning author JaNay Brown-Woods PhD, in-person! JaNay’s stories celebrate diversity & are filled with rhymes, lyrics & meaning. Watch & learn more about JaNay’s marvelous stories & the important impact she’s making on early literacy! youtu.be/DzXu81brfbQ?...

These are my thoughts on “THE 21,” an inspiring book by author Elizabeth Rusch. This powerful & gripping read tells the story of 21 courageous young change makers who took on the U.S. government to fight for their right to a livable planet & for the future of us all. youtu.be/_lLmURrbX4U?...

Hi book friends! Come see me at Fairy Tale Town in #Sacramento this Thursday, 7/17! I’ll be reading picture books by local authors between 11 AM and 2 PM! A special thank you to @mysmud.bsky.social for sponsoring some fun giveaways to hand out during my event! I’m so excited & grateful!

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to author @baronchrisbaron.bsky.social & his brand new book SPARK! I had the honor of reading SPARK before ink touched the page, & before much of the reading world knew about this timely, relevant & profoundly beautiful story. Thank you for this amazing gift Chris!

MAGIC IN A DROP OF WATER: HOW RUTH PATRICK TAUGHT THE WORLD ABOUT WATER POLLUTION by @jwbottom.bsky.social a #PB introducing young readers to Ruth Patrick, a scientist whose groundbreaking research on water & pollution helped change the way we protect our planet. youtu.be/pd6k-lRkcpg?... #kidlit 💚🌎

Allow me to introduce to you the master of mystery, the spooky savant & the MGLit #1 New York Times Bestselling author extraordinaire, @lindsayncurrie.bsky.social Check out our discussion for insights into Lindsay's writing process, her upcoming stories, and much more! Enjoy!🧩⬇️ youtu.be/daYj_ocLXSQ

Happy4th of July! Celebrate by watching my book review of RACING THE CLOUDS by @sydneydunlap.bsky.social. RACING THE CLOUDS is an impactful & honest #MGLit book detailing drug abuse, family trauma & friendship. A 10/10 page-turning & extremely meaningful read! #booksky youtu.be/9PBcsb7V0Uc?...

To show my support for Pride Month, I donated #LGBTQ+ books in #LittleFreeLibraries throughout the #Sacramento area. One of the best ways to teach empathy, acceptance & compassion is through stories. I believe everyone has the right & deserves, to love whomever they want. LOVE IS LOVE.

Today I’m excited to travel “virtually” to Beaver Valley Community School in Thornbury, Canada to talk with 4th graders about #mglit books, kindness & following your dreams! #literacyadvocate #Canada #teachers #etraintalks

Thank you to @etraintalks.bsky.social for sharing a copy of A FIELD GUIDE TO BROKEN PROMISES by Leah Stecher w/me for our school’s readers! I’m looking forward to reading this #MGLit title & then sharing it with our readers. A few have already taken a peek at it & are interested in checking it out.

In this episode of E Train Talks, I sit down with Heidi Rabinowitz, host of @bookoflife.bsky.social - A PODCAST ABOUT JEWISH KIDLIT (MOSTLY), to pay tribute to her 20-years of celebrating Jewish storytellers. Join me as we recognize Heidi’s 2 decades of amplifying Jewish voices, one story at a time.

It was an honor to be recognized by Sacramento DOVIA for my 3.5 years of volunteer work. I’m so grateful & I plan to continue giving back to the #sacramento community by advocating for early literacy & inspiring as many young readers as I can. #DOVIA #Sacramento

Only 4 more days till opening night! I’m so excited! I’m playing Shrek! Stay tuned! #Shrek Jr. The Musical 🎵 🎤🎭

I’ve loved the Beatles since I was 2 years old. They are larger than life 🎶 legends! Wish I’d had WE ARE THE BEATLES when I was younger! Grateful Authors @bradmeltzer.com & Christopher Eliopoulos brought this fun & informative BEATLES story into the world!See me at 3 singing in the thread below ⬇️

OCTOPUS MOON by author Bobbie Pyron is my #MGLit Mental Health Awareness Month book pick. 💚 Pearl, a 10-year-old girl feels everything around her so intensely that it overwhelms her & she begins to fade away, hiding under the covers, wishing the world would just go away. A must read! #booksky #MHAM

I love getting kids excited about reading! Talking about the magic of reading to children at a young age and informing them about different ways free books can be accessed, helps eliminate roadblocks to early literacy. Inform & Inspire! Readers make leaders! Advocate 4 change! #literacyadvocate

This is my read aloud of the NYT Bestselling #picturebook EYES THAT KISS IN THE CORNERS by award-winning author @joannahowrites.bsky.social & illustrator Dung Ho ☀️ I'm reading this in honor of #AAPI Heritage Month, but it's a beautiful story to celebrate all year round. youtu.be/33_6nrpCPR0?...

THE MITZVAH FAIRY by author @daniellejoseph.bsky.social & illustrated by Christine Battuz is the perfect story to read during #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth. THE MITZVAH FAIRY shares the importance of doing good deeds (mitzvot) & taking care of the Earth (tikkun olam). 🩵🌍📚 youtu.be/yZJAvmnRm0M?...

I’m celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month with 5x Emmy-winning comedy writer @robkutner.bsky.social ! Find out about Rob’s new book, THE JEWS: 5,000 YEARS AND COUNTING, his unique & diverse animated serious GOD’S GANG & much more! Watch the sneak peek & then click the 🔗 youtu.be/bQqzRHkYqok?si…

I’m Kicking off #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth by sharing my interview with 5x Emmy & Peabody-winning writer @robkutner.bsky.social. Rob Kutner has written for The Daily Show, Conan & more! He’s a legend! Tune in as we discuss Rob’s new book, THE JEWS: 5000 YEARS AND COUNTING! youtu.be/bQqzRHkYqok?...