Jane Yolen, author of more than 400 books for children and young adults, has died at age 87. Courtesy photo
Of all the books at The Newton Free Library, Jane Yolen’s Caldecott award-winning “Owl Moon” is the favorite of children’s librarian Marianne Connelly.
Yolen’s books “have stood and will continue to stand the test of time,” Connelly said.
Yolen, who died June 11 at age 87, wrote over 400 books for children and young adults, many of which are set in Massachusetts, one of the places where she lived the longest. By delivering education about the history and culture of New England in an imaginative and engaging way, Yolen’s work has inspired generations of readers—including several Newton authors.
As a prominent figure and keynote speaker for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Yolen led community-focused conversations with authors and illustrators of all experience levels.
Children’s book author and illustrator Laya Steinberg, who lives in Newton, first met Yolen at a SCBWI conference while showcasing her own debut book, “Thesaurus Rex.”
“I was unsure of how to start the process,” Steinberg said, “and here I am, being approached by this lovely woman who guided me through the publishing process. She was just so complimentary and supportive through her one-on-one encouragement.”
Since then, Steinberg has published two more children’s books and has another on the way.
Another author who has interacted with Yolen at SCBWI conferences is Newton-based youth mystery novelist David Kelly. “She always wanted to know what I was writing,” Kelly said.
“I watched her mentor writers, contribute to children’s book organizations, and advocate for the field—not because she had anything to gain, but because she believed in helping others succeed,” Kelly said.
Yolen’s daughter, Heidi E.Y. Stemple of Hatfield, said her mother’s books—displayed in bookstores, elementary schools, the Newton Free Library and little free libraries across Newton—raised and educated learners of all ages.
“My brothers and I shared her with the world,” Stemple said.
Yolen used what Steinberg and others call “lyrical prose” to teach readers about important historical events through a storytelling lens.
For the youngest readers, Hummingbird Books in Chestnut Hill regularly features Yolen’s books, including “Letting the Swift River Go,” at its weekly “Sunday Storytime” events. “Learning about the history of where we live helps to broaden children’s perspectives, and Jane conveys that with so much precision and imagination,” said Hummingbird manager Charlotte de Greling.
“Letting the Swift River Go” offers young readers the history of the Quabbin Reservoir through the fleeting imagery of a rowboat passing through illustrated pages.
“She meets children where they are at,” said Newton-based children’s book author Mia Wenjen.
One of Wenjen’s books, “Food for the Future,” teaches children about three sustainable food and water systems. “In that way, it connects to ‘Letting the Swift River Go,’ teaching children about the history and scarcity of natural resources,” Wenjen said.
“For students in Newton, Yolen’s work creates a connection between literature and the world they live in,” Kelly said, referencing both “Letting the Swift River Go” and “Plymouth Rocks!”
Drawing inspiration from her European Jewish heritage in “We Celebrate the Light,” Yolen references a wide array of light festivals alongside her familiar celebration of Hanukkah, including Diwali, Lunar New Year and Bodhi Day.
Stemple co-wrote “We Celebrate the Light” and “World of Dance” with Yolen. “My mom refused to whitewash anything, and poured as much research, love and respect to other cultures as she did her own,” Stemple said. “She was really ahead of her time.”
Another of Wenjen’s books, “The Traveling Taco,” mirrors Yolen’s legacy by showcasing familiar “American” comfort dishes, such as macaroni and ice cream that were actually created by immigrants.
“Jane was a pioneer at illuminating the history of the world around us. In a world of hate and division, sharing diverse stories is a form of peaceful resistance,” Wenjen said.
“I would love to see the Newton Free Library host a Jane Yolen reading day—that’s how we can continue her legacy,” Stemple said.