E Train Talks: All Aboard for Early Literacy

09/06/2026

What if the end of the world is coming… and it’s up to us to fix it?

Welcome to Episode 3 of my new book review series, “Questions in a Bottle.” This is an E Train Talks series where I answer questions about interesting Middle-Grade and YA books I’ve read and recommend!

In HOW TO SURVIVE THE END OF THE WORLD, author Katy Doughty takes a colorful, comic-book look at the very real threats facing humanity, from pandemics and climate change to asteroids and supervolcanoes, and even AI. Doughty offers up a fascinating, funny, and at times humorously terrifying middle-grade graphic novel masterpiece!

Doughty basically asks readers: Are we totally doomed, or do we have a shot? It's on my list of top 2026 reads!

What if the end of the world is coming… and it’s up to us to fix it...

09/01/2026

NEW E TRAIN TALKS INTERVIEW! I had such a great time talking with award-winning author and illustrator Pedro Martín, creator of MEXIKID: A GRAPHIC MEMOIR! Mexikid Stories

We talked about his fascinating childhood and family, his creative journey from Hallmark artist to award-winning author, and, of course, his brand-new book MEXIKID DREAMS! There are even a few sneak peeks into the new story. 👀

MEXIKID DREAMS arrives in the world TODAY 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓September 1!

Check out my interview with Pedro and continue the MEXIKID adventure! 👉🏼 https://youtu.be/xJpH0zxYWRM?is=PjwAWlMFsAzFHL05

Penguin Kids Penguin Random House

In his first graphic memoir, MEXIKID, Pedro Martín introduced reade...

08/30/2026

I was so happy to receive a copy of the special “Deluxe Gift Edition of THE DOT,” a picture book that encourages creativity, courage and collaboration.

International Dot Day is recognized all over the world and takes place on September 15th. This year I’ll be participating and celebrating by reading aloud THE DOT for kids and book lovers to watch and enjoy on my website, social media platforms, and Youtube Channel.

THE DOT is written and illustrated by award-winning author Peter H. Reynolds, whose talented illustrations and writing has contributed to over 75 wonderful stories.

Thank you for inviting me to share in the celebration! 🟠

08/30/2026

In 2023, Pedro Martin introduced the word to MEXIKID: A GRAPHIC MEM...

08/23/2026

My newest book review is out. MIND VS MACHINE!
An exciting and page turning graphic novel about the epic chess match between a human and a supercomputer by one of my favorite nonfiction author's Steve Sheinkin, and co-authored by International Grandmaster of Chess, Maurice Ashley! Book is out in September! Click the link to check out my review!
https://youtu.be/N4X2U28HkEU?si=wTqR3SZB7a5QAuYB

08/21/2026

Fellow chess players and graphic novel enthusiasts! This post’s for you!

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 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

Macmillan Publishers

08/17/2026

To kick off the celebration, I’m sharing my interview with award-winning children’s author and playwright Erin Dealey.

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/

https://youtu.be/6y6dnsIObTI?si=Dvu-0FURUyzxmaIs

Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp underground books East Village Bookshop Ruby's Books

WELCOME TO 5 YEARS OF E TRAIN: Celebrating the World of Books!To ...

08/12/2026

I had the incredible opportunity to hop on ​⁠ ESPN 1320 to talk about the Sacramento Kings with Damien Barling!

During our talk we covered everything from the organization potentially signing Russell Westbrook or Victor Oladipo to Maxime Raynaud’s shooting development!

Check it out!

Check it out! https://youtu.be/jt0q1xBlBOM?is=q2O_ASryCPxcUzXD

I had the incredible opportunity to hop on to talk about ...

08/10/2026

Exciting news! I’ll be live discussing the Sacramento Kings with Damien Barling on ESPN 1320 tomorrow, August 11th at 4 PM PST.

I’ve grown up listening to ESPN 1320, so having the chance to talk Kings on air is unreal!

👉🏼 I hope you’ll tune in! You can watch on ESPN 1320 YouTube or listen on the radio.

07/31/2026

This was my 3rd year participating in Mayor Kevin McCarty Assemblymember Maggy Krell and Karina Talamantes

Annual Backpack Giveaway event in Sacramento. Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food, BOOKS, and more are given to hundreds of children and families. It’s an event I collect book donations for all year long and it’s a day I get to connect with kids and share what I love most, BOOK JOY!

I’m so grateful I get to be a part of this awesome day of giving to the Sacramento community!

It was great to meet you Assemblywoman Maggy Krell - thank you for stopping by and saying hi!

Thanks to everyone who donated books and supported my nonprofit throughout the year!

Thank you to Levine Querido for your ongoing book donations and for your continued support of my literacy initiative!

Shoutout to First Book - I couldn’t share as many books and reach as many kids without your amazing BOOK BANK!

Thank you to SMUD for the fun & eco-informative coloring giveaways!