Having worked with numerous school systems in the tri-state area, it is common to hear how many students are reluctant readers and writers. While there are many reasons for a lack of motivation and engagement in learning today, everyone - - school administrators, teachers, parents, or students themselves - - would love their own version of a magic wand to change the situation. Judith Kristen is the closest thing to waving a magic wand over hesitant readers and writers that I've ever seen. I have had the chance to see her bring enthusiasm and evident passion as an author to assemblies and classrooms, and witnessed people go from being merely a captive audience to being captivated. It was wonderful to see Ms. Kristen ignite a desire in her audiences to want to learn how to get their own stories down on paper after listening to her experiences and book excerpts. The best is yet to come from groups that I saw form their own writers guilds -- developing skills that will last a lifetime.

Sandra Lippman
Founder and Director
Partners in Performance, LLC
Manalapan, NJ

Hi Judith

My wife and I truly enjoyed your presentation yesterday at the 2007 Burlington County Literary Workshop. I believe that: "Teaching is a Performing Art," which is meant to be both meaningful and entertaining. When you are good spirits, it is more likely that the the mind will be open. Motivation is key to education, connection is key to motivation, and meaning is key to connection. You were entertaining and meaningful, which motivated us toward learning. I am an education and presentation consultant, and text book author for Prentice-Hall, so I have seen many presentations over the years and yours stands above the best. I have 5 titles in print. One day, you will see my stuff on contextual learning in print. My wife Joan is the creator of the CALMFort Card "My Dog Buddy." Someone, mentioned a person on the National Geographic channel, that we could send this card to. Do you know the name of this person? Tears came to my eyes, when you read "My Dog Buddy."

Dr. John F. Kershaw www.jfkctec.com

Judith Kristen has addressed several of my county committees including the Curriculum Consortium and the Peer Mediation Steering Committee. Both teachers and administrators have reported being inspired and moved by her presentations. Many of them have hired her to present at their school assemblies and at other meetings. She is currently beginning work with one of the Camden County districts to form a Teen Writers Guild and to work with the language arts teachers in training them to carry this important project on beyond the current school year. At assemblies, students are engaged, charmed and excited about reading and writing as a result of her appearances.

Genevieve A. Lumia
Education Specialist/County Curriculum Director
Camden County Office of Education
856-401-2411 fax: 856-401-2410

Judith Kristen's visit was very well received at our school. Judith related her own teenage experiences to a captive audience. Many were visibly moved as they listened to Ms. Kristen read excerpts from her books and they listened intently to her advice. This author relates well with the students she reaches out to. I have had many requests for her e-mail address!

Rita Aubert
Media Specialist
Lindenwold Middle School
Lindenwold, NJ

Scranton High School Library recently hosted an Author Visit with award-winning young adult author, Judith Kristen. Forty-five students participated in this well-received event. Ms. Kristen captivated her audience with reflections of her life as depicted throughout her award-wining novels, The Purple Hat Gang and Olivia Twist, a Quest for the Glass Half-Full. Ms. Kristen also conducted a writing workshop for the students. Key elements of good writing were emphasized. Students were able to share their own writings with the group and received expert critical analysis of their work from our guest speaker.It was clear to see the students were very attentive and appreciative of all Ms. Kristen had to offer. E-mail correspondence has been ongoing by both students and author. Many thanks go out to Judith Kristen and all participating students for making this reading event a remarkable success.

Donna Zalenski, Librarian

Working with elementary and middle school children, time and again I have seen how Judith Kristen's novels affect positive changes in her readers. While so many "teen" novels focus on the negative, Judith's books empower, uplift, and most importantly, entertain. My students read The Purple Hat Gang and then clamored for more. They were motivated to start their own "doers of good deeds" club, and they would form lit circles to discuss the characters they came to think of as their own friends. Judith's books provide invaluable lessons about friendship and self-worth, and it's done with humor and compassion. Teachers, do yourselves a favor and pick up a set of Judith Kristen's novels for your classroom!

Shelly Fredman
Teacher
Santa Monica, CA

Judith Kristen's "Olivia Twist" is a captivating story for teens. She
engages reluctant readers with honesty and candor and welcomes them into her world. It is a must read. Her follow-up presentation does not
disappoint. Students were on a natural high for weeks. Someone finally
understands!

Mary Scallon
Kiva High School
Monmouth County, New Jersey

Friend, author, mentor!

Judith's personality is absolutely magical. And that magic carries over to the written word. Her books touched our hearts and moved us into the bigger picture of life. Like a ray of light through a precious gem, her creativity and inspiration always gives a burst of prismatic ideas and lofty goals to The Guild... And we love her.

Written with great affection and admiration:

The Teen Writers Guild of Frankford High School
Philadelphia, Pa.

Judith Kristen is GREAT!!! She really understands how teenagers feel about life in general. And, she is truly a modern day hero to all of The Guild members! I loved working with her. She's a kind, caring, and tough teacher. She expects a lot, but I have learned so much from her. On top of all that -- I absolutely love her books. The Purple Hat Gang and Olivia Twist are young adult masterpieces of never ending time. I am certain they will continue to inspire America's youth for many, many decades to come.

Chaunnique Thomas
Member of: The Teen Writers Guild of Frankford High School
Philadelphia, PA.

My experience working with Judith on "What We Want to tell You" has been amazing and lots of fun. Life seems less dark now that I know I'm good at something.

~~Adrienne Diehl

Working with Judith over the last two years has taught me things that will stay with me forever! As part of the "What We Want To Tell You" group, my mind has been opened to endless possibilities in my life!

~~Kameele Rivera

Working on this project with Judy and all the other Guild members was a remarkable experience. I always looked forward to Guild meetings because I could present my work as well as read what everyone else had written.The overall experience was very enjoyable; I made a lot of friends and experienced the opportunity to share my creative insight with the world. I had a lot of fun and I look forward to next year.
~~ Alex Hill

I looked forward to every meeting of The Writers Guild. I learned a lot about the writing process and exactly what goes into publishing a book from start to finish. I also learned more about my genuine desire to write, and how that desire to write is going to guide my path in the future.

~~Christina Perez

Judith Kristen is one of a kind. Her heart is big enough to bring warmth to every person she meets. Her writing is magnificent and she always has great ideas. She is a great teacher and she is always doing her best to help us kids with our work as well as to show us how we can make a positive affect on society She has helped me out when I had some family difficulties as well as with my writing.

~~Edwin Mattola

Ms. Judith Kristen is one of the best persons to ever come into my life. She has helped me in so many ways. She taught me to open up my mind and heart and put it all down on paper. She told me that she had problems too, trying to find who she was and who she was really meant to be. That helped me a lot. If it wasn't for her I'd still be hiding behind writing I would never show to anyone.

~~Kimberly Cothran

Ms. Kristen is a very nice, helpful, caring and dedicated woman. She is a great teacher and a great friend!

~~Francis Moll

Miss Judith is truly one of the nicest people I have ever met. I have learned a lot from her and I have made a lot of new friends because of The Guild. My writing skills are improving all the time.

~~Lena Abdeljaber

Making this book has been a great experience. I have learned so much about editing, writing, rewriting, and working well with others. I am very proud that I was a part of "What We Want To Tell You."

~~Sana Raddad

This experience has been one of the greatest in my life! I honestly look forward to my Guild Member years to come.

~~Craig Aguilar

Sometimes I look at our book and I can't believe we made it! It was a lot of hard work but it was really worth it. Thank you Judith and thank you to the group! I love you guys!
~~Enndy Del Rosario

November 16th, 2004 was the first time I really felt like I belonged somewhere and that I fit in. Jude is my greatest friend and my hero. She believes in me in a way that nobody ever did before. As for the experience ... I can't think of a word to describe how cool this has been. NOW I am an author, immortalized forever in the realm of literature. (dramatic, I know) So, yeah.

Anyway... it's awesome!
~~Isbelia Paniagua

Educational Testimonials