Jane Hyatt Yolen's family informed the press that of the best authors in fantasy (and all of fiction) passed away on June 11, 2026. At age 87, Yolen leaves behind an incredible legacy… and true to her nature, a little thing like death won't stop her from publishing her 450th and final book, Terror Birds, which is slated for a July 14, 2026 publication.
Inspired by Eastern European Jewish folk stories from her father, Yolen famously wrote every day in nearly every genre and medium. From epic fantasy to poetry, children's books to novellas, Yolen was the true essence of a storyteller who inspired generations of authors to follow in her footsteps. Brandon Sanderson even named a planet after her in his Cosmere.
The Devil's Arithmetic
Perhaps Yolen's best-known work, The Devil's Arithmetic features a time-traveling Jewish girl named Hannah who finds herself transported to a Polish village in 1942. Where she was once tired of hearing about the past tragedies, Hannah now must live through the most dangerous era in European history as Nazi soldiers come to take everyone in the village away.
Merlin's Booke
Nominated for the 1987 World Fantasy Award, this collection of short stories features maybe the most famous wizard in English literature. Yolen retraces the popular Merlin myths, from his time as a feral boy to the times beyond his death. This patchwork of brilliant tales is the perfect exploration of King Arthur, Camelot, and more.
Owl Moon
The 1988 Caldecott Medal Winner is based on Yolen's family. It follows a child and her father as they explore nature and go searching for owls. Full of poetry and lovely watercolor illustrations by John Schoenherr, Owl Moon is perfect for readers of all ages.
Dragonfield
Another World Fantasy Award-nominated short story collection, this Yolen book explores some of our favorite fantasy creatures, from dragons to fairies and human rogues. This truly does showcase the adaptive and varied talents of Yolen as she shifts between short fiction and poetry, unlikely heroes and sympathetic monsters.
The Emperor and the Kite (Paperstar Book)
The 1968 Caldecott Honor Book, The Emperor and the Kite follows Princess Djeow Seow, who must save the imprisoned Emperor armed with nothing but a kite made from paper and sticks.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
