Reading Pathways: Where To Start Reading Daniel Kraus Books

This year’s Pulitzer Prize for Fiction went to Daniel Kraus for his phenomenal work of historical fiction, Angel Down. For readers who’ve not followed Kraus’s career, it felt like a surprise win–the story, set during World War I, is unique in structure, being told through a single sentence. But for those readers who’ve known Kraus since the start of his career, the Pulitzer win made complete sense and felt like an honor his work more than deserved. Kraus’s work has been growing and expanding since his debut, The Monster Variations, in 2009. He is a writer who takes bold risks and always delivers on the promise and premise of his stories. He cut his teeth in young adult literature, but he’s continued to shine in his forays into adult fiction, middle grade fiction, and even comics. Many readers may not realize they’re already familiar with Kraus’s work, even if they are less familiar with his name. Kraus worked with Guillermo del Toro on the novelization of The Shape of Water, having breakfast with del Toro as the idea was forming. He and del Toro teamed up to write Trollhunters, the middle grade series turned animated 2016 Netflix show. He’s also worked with the family of filmmaker ...