Jane Yolen is an American writer of fantasy, science fiction, and children’s books. She was born on February 11, 1939, in New York City. Yolen’s work has won numerous awards and has been translated into more than 20 languages. She is also known for her work as an editor and a poet.
Yolen’s early work consisted mainly of short stories and poetry, but she later became known for her children’s books. Some of her most popular works include “Owl Moon,” “The Devil’s Arithmetic,” and “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” Many of her books are based on folklore and mythology, and she often incorporates elements of fantasy into her stories.
Yolen has won many awards for her writing, including the Caldecott Medal for “Owl Moon,” the Nebula Award for “Sister Emily’s Lightship,” and the World Fantasy Award for “The One-Armed Queen.” In addition to her writing, Yolen has also been a mentor to many other writers and has taught writing workshops.
Yolen continues to write and publish books, and her work remains popular with readers of all ages. She has also been active in promoting literacy and has been involved in various educational programs. Yolen’s contributions to the world of literature have earned her a place among the most respected and celebrated writers of our time.

Jane Yolen (© Luigi Novi / Wikimedia Commons)
It’s a good idea to look at these 24 interesting facts about Jane Yolen to know more about her.
- Jane Yolen was born in New York City, New York, on February 11, 1939.
- She has written more than 365 books for children and adults.
- Yolen’s parents were both writers and journalists.
- Her first published work was a poem in Seventeen magazine when she was only 17 years old.
- She attended Smith College and received a degree in English in 1960.
- Yolen has been married to David W. Stemple since 1962 and they have three children.
- She began writing professionally in 1961 and has been a full-time writer since 1978.
- Yolen has won two Nebula Awards, a Caldecott Medal, a World Fantasy Award, and many other honors for her writing.
- She is also a poet and has published several collections of her poetry.
- Yolen has written in a variety of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction.
- Some of her most popular books include “The Devil’s Arithmetic,” “Owl Moon,” and “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?”
- Yolen has also written books for adults, including several collections of short stories and essays.
- She has edited numerous anthologies of science fiction and fantasy, including “The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy for Teens.”
- Yolen has taught writing workshops and has been a mentor to many aspiring writers.
- She is a frequent speaker at conferences and literary festivals.
- Yolen has been involved in literacy programs and has served on the board of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
- She has a fascination with folklore and mythology and often incorporates these elements into her writing.
- Yolen has a love of history and has written several historical fiction books for young readers.
- She has also written several non-fiction books on writing and the craft of storytelling.
- Yolen is a fan of science fiction and fantasy and has written several books in these genres, including the “Pit Dragon Chronicles” series.
- She has written books for all ages, from picture books for young children to novels for young adults and adults.
- Yolen has written several books with her son, the author and illustrator Adam Stemple.
- She has been inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
- Yolen is known for her prolific output and her ability to write in a wide variety of styles and genres.
Jane Yolen is an iconic figure in the world of literature. Her impressive body of work spans over six decades and includes over 365 books, which have been translated into more than 20 languages. She is a master storyteller who has captivated readers of all ages with her unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, and folklore. Her contributions to children’s literature have earned her numerous awards, including the Caldecott Medal and the Nebula Award, and she has inspired countless aspiring writers with her teaching and mentorship. Her passion for writing, storytelling, and promoting literacy has made her an influential figure in the literary world and an inspiration to many.