Jane Hyatt Yolen is a distinguished American writer renowned for her contributions to fantasy, science fiction, and children's literature. Born on February 11, 1939, Yolen has authored or edited over 400 books, including the celebrated Holocaust novella The Devil's Arithmetic. Her extensive bibliography also features award-winning works such as the Nebula Award−winning short story "Sister Emily's Lightship," the novelette "Lost Girls," Owl Moon, The Emperor and the Kite, and the Commander Toad series.

Yolen has collaborated creatively with her children, particularly with Adam Stemple. A respected figure in the literary world, she delivered the inaugural Alice G. Smith Lecture at the University of South Florida in 1989 and was the first woman to give the Andrew Lang lecture in 2012. Yolen's literary excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Yolen's contributions have been acknowledged by prestigious recognitions such as the World Fantasy Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Science Fiction Writers of America’s Grand Master Award, and the Sydney Taylor Body of Work Award. Her website offers a comprehensive view of her literary works and provides resources for children, teachers, writers, and lovers of children's literature.