This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Devil's Arithmetic

   

   The story follows a young Jewish girl named Hannah who is transported back in time to 1942 Poland during a Passover Seder. As she inhabits the life of a girl named Chaya, she experiences the harrowing realities of the Holocaust firsthand, including being taken to a concentration camp. Through her journey, Hannah gains a profound understanding of her heritage, the importance of remembering history, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

   The 8144th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Cards of Grief

   

   "Cards of Grief" is a science fiction novel by Jane Yolen that explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event that destroys Earth's moon. The story follows a group of colonists who are forced to leave their homes on Earth and settle on a new planet. As they struggle to adapt to their new environment, they also grapple with grief and loss as they mourn the destruction of their former world. The novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the human condition in the face of tragedy.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Briar Rose

   A Novel of the Holocaust

   

   "Briar Rose" by Jane Yolen is a retelling of the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. The story follows Rebecca, the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor named Gemma, as she tries to uncover the truth behind her grandmother's mysterious past. Through Gemma's haunting story of survival and love, Rebecca learns about the power of family, history, and storytelling. The novel is a poignant exploration of the ways in which the past continues to shape the present, and the importance of remembering and honoring those who came before us.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Passager

   The Young Merlin Trilogy, Book One

   

   "Passager" by Jane Yolen is a historical fiction novel set in 18th century France. The story follows a young boy named Pierre, who is taken from his family and forced to become a cabin boy on a ship bound for the New World. Along the way, he meets a mysterious woman named Louise, who helps him navigate the treacherous waters of the Atlantic and teaches him the ways of the Passager, a secret society of travelers who possess magical powers. As Pierre learns more about his own abilities and the history of the Passagers, he must also confront the harsh realities of life on a ship and the dangers that await him in the New World.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Hobby

   

   "Hobby" by Jane Yolen is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Sarah who is struggling to find her place in the world. When she discovers a neglected horse named Hobby, Sarah is determined to save him and give him the love and attention he deserves. Through her dedication to Hobby, Sarah learns important lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the power of love. With beautiful illustrations and a touching narrative, "Hobby" is a must-read for animal lovers of all ages.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Merlin

   The Lost Years

   

   "Merlin" by Jane Yolen is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Merlin, the powerful wizard who guides Arthur to become the greatest king of Britain. The book explores Merlin's childhood and his relationship with his mother, a powerful sorceress, as well as his role in shaping Arthur's destiny. Along the way, Merlin must confront his own demons and make difficult choices in order to protect the kingdom he loves. Yolen's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions bring the magical world of Camelot to life in this captivating tale of love, loyalty, and the power of destiny.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?

   None

   

   The book humorously explores the dining habits of young dinosaurs, illustrating both their mischievous and polite behaviors at the table. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, it contrasts the unruly antics of dinosaurs who burp, throw tantrums, and make messes with the proper manners they eventually adopt, such as chewing carefully and saying "please" and "thank you." The story serves as a fun and engaging way to teach children about table manners and the importance of behaving well during meals.

8. 8. How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?

   

   The book is a playful and engaging story that explores how young dinosaurs handle being sick. Through vibrant illustrations and rhyming text, it humorously depicts the antics of these dinosaurs as they navigate the challenges of feeling unwell. The story emphasizes the importance of good behavior, listening to caregivers, and following doctor's advice to recover quickly. It provides a comforting and educational message for children about the importance of taking care of oneself when sick, all while maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining tone.

9. 9. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?

   

   The book is a delightful and humorous exploration of bedtime routines, featuring a series of playful scenarios where young dinosaurs exhibit various antics before settling down to sleep. Through vibrant illustrations and rhythmic text, it contrasts the dinosaurs' initial mischievous behavior with their eventual calm and loving goodnight rituals. The story gently emphasizes the importance of bedtime manners and routines, making it an engaging read for children and parents alike.
10. 10. Owl Moon

    

    A young child embarks on a magical nighttime adventure with their father, venturing into the snowy woods in search of a great horned owl. The serene and quiet landscape is beautifully depicted, capturing the wonder and anticipation of the experience. As they walk through the moonlit forest, the child learns about patience, hope, and the beauty of nature. The story emphasizes the special bond between parent and child and the enchanting allure of the natural world.

11. 11. Sister Light, Sister Dark

    The Great Alta Saga

    

    Set in a mystical world where light and dark coexist in a delicate balance, the story follows Jenna, a young girl destined to become a powerful warrior and leader. Raised in the harsh mountains by the wise and mysterious Daleswomen, Jenna discovers her unique ability to summon her dark twin, Skada, from the shadows. As Jenna grows, she must navigate the challenges of her dual existence, confront ancient prophecies, and unite her people against a looming threat. The narrative weaves together myth, legend, and reality, exploring themes of identity, destiny, and the intricate dance between light and darkness.

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12. 12. Mapping The Bones

    

    Set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II, this poignant tale follows the journey of twins Chaim and Gittel as they navigate the horrors of the Holocaust. Separated from their parents, the siblings are thrust into a world of unimaginable cruelty and struggle to survive amidst the chaos. Through their bond and resilience, they find solace in poetry and storytelling, which serve as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. As they encounter both the brutality and kindness of strangers, the twins' story unfolds as a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit.

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13. 13. How Do Dinosaurs Learn To Be Kind?

    

    In this delightful and educational tale, young readers are taken on a journey through the world of dinosaurs as they learn the importance of kindness and empathy. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the story showcases various scenarios where dinosaurs demonstrate acts of kindness, from sharing toys to helping friends in need. The narrative encourages children to reflect on their own behavior and understand the value of being considerate and compassionate towards others, making it a perfect read for instilling positive social values.

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14. 14. The Emerald Circus

    

    A collection of speculative short stories that reimagines beloved fairy tales, myths, and literary or historical figures—from Neverland and Oz to Camelot and the world of a reclusive New England poet—through fresh, often feminist perspectives. Lyrical and sly, these tales blend wonder and melancholy as they interrogate power, identity, and the narratives we inherit, transforming the familiar into something startlingly new.

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15. 15. Dragon's Blood

    

    The Pit Dragon Chronicles is a series of science fantasy novels by Jane Yolen. An omnibus volume collects the three volumes. According to Yolen, the trilogy is among her books which are often translated into other languages, and they have also been considered to be among her best known books. A fourth book in the series was published in 2009.

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16. 16. The Midnight Circus

    

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