LAMAMIMET

Jane Hyatt Yolen was born on February 11, 1939 in Manhattan, New York, to journalist William Yolen and social‑worker Isabell Yolen. She grew up in several cities, attended Smith College and earned a master's in education, and began her writing career in the early 1960s. Over a six‑decade career she authored or edited more than 450 books for children and adults, blending fantasy, folklore and historical themes. Her best‑known titles include The Devil’s Arithmetic, a Holocaust novella that earned the National Book Award, Owl Moon, and the Commander Toad series. She won the Newbery Medal, the World Fantasy Award, and multiple Nebula Awards. Yolen also taught, gave notable lectures such as the inaugural Alice G. Smith Lecture and the Andrew Lang Lecture, and collaborated with her children, especially Adam Stemple, on the Rock ’n’ Roll Fairy Tale series. Her 450th book, Terror Birds, was scheduled for posthumous release in July 2026. She died on June 11, 2026 at age 87, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential voices in contemporary children’s literature.