© 2014-2023 Joanna H. Kraus. All rights reserved.

Joanna Kraus has received the following commendations.

Commendations

“Joanna Kraus is one of the most outstanding Playwrights for young audiences in America today. Those of us in the Children’s Theatre profession are the beneficiaries of her creativity.”

    —Dr. Dorothy Webb, Founder of the Waldo M. and
        Grace C. Bonderman Playwriting for Youth National Symposium

“The importance of  Ms. Kraus in the history of children’s theatre in the United States is recognized by everyone in the field and is documented in two histories of the movement written by Nellie McCaslin, as well as by the appearance of her plays in anthologies of the last three decades. In advancing themes of prejudice, in area of cultural, physical and gender differences, Ms. Kraus has broadened the scope of serious theatre for youth.”

    —Dr. Lowell Swortzell, Playwright and Founding Director,
        Program in Educational Theatre, New York University

“Joanna Kraus’ long association with the East Bay Times goes back for more than a decade. She has, for the entirety of that time, been our principal children’s book critic, supplying us regularly with timely, thoughtful and engaging reviews that have helped keep our readers in touch with what’s happening in the world of children’s literature.”

    —Sue Gilmore, Times Editor for Books and Classical Music,
        East Bay Times (Bay Area News Group)

“I have long admired the plays of Joanna Kraus for their ability to reach young people with their complex themes and dramatic intensity.”

    —Scott  Laughead, Director of Education, Periwinkle National Theatre, New York.

“From the fireside chat that you held with interested undergrad and graduate students to the meaningful conference you had with the director of the production, to the eloquent discussion sessions you led with audience members after each performance, to your gracious remarks at the concluding reception—each of these moments was characterized by your integrity, your warmth and your genuine concern for the human family.”

    —Professor Rives B. Collins, Department of Theatre, Northwestern University

“Room 14 was treated to a visit by Joanna Kraus, who read The Dragon Hammer and The Tale of Oniroku. We were mesmerized by her tales and excited when we were part of the action.”

    —Corrine Storey, 2nd Grade Teacher, Rock Creek Elementary, Rocklin, CA

“Thank you for your bravery in honoring young people with plays that respect their hopes, fears, dreams and, most importantly, their intelligence.”

    —Dr. Roger L. Bedard, Evelyn Smith Family Professor,
        School of Theatre and Film, Arizona State University, Tempe.

“I was honored to have Joanna Kraus visit my 1st grade classroom this year!  She read to my first graders with great animation and joy.  She really brought the stories to life!  They loved every minute of it and were engaged the entire time!”

    —Mylissa Dennis, teacher, Centennial Elementary School, Bakersfield, CA

“Dr. Kraus sepnt forty-five minutes reading her book, A Night of Tamales and Roses and explaining how one becomes an author. My students were focused and engaged during this whole discussion. The children loved the story so much some bought their own signed copy! Dr. Kraus patiently answered student questions. The children were enlightened and excited to start writing their own stories.”

    —Caroline Wiseman, 2nd grade teacher, Gregory Gardens Elementary School, Pleasant Hill, CA