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.

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.

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.