Nonfiction / Biography and Autobiography

Joan of Arc

By Diane Stanley

Joan of Arc is another wonderfully done biography by Diane Stanley. Diane Stanley tastefully describes Joan of Arc’s life in a carefully researched, vivid narrative. It begins talking about her childhood; she was a child of wartime, a poor, illiterate peasant girl. Joan of Arc had strict Catholic parents and four other siblings. When she was 13 she was working in her family’s garden when she heard church bells and suddenly, she began to hear a voice. When she turned to see who it was, she only saw a “brilliant light.” She did not dare tell anyone what she saw, fearing someone would judge her. Later, on several different occasions, she soon saw Saint Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine. At 17 she rode into battle. She left her village to go to the aid of the young Prince of France. Joan of Arc was soon captured for dressing in men’s clothing which was considered an abomination to God. She also claimed God personally was guiding her through voices and visions, telling her what to do. This was unacceptable to France which deemed her a prisoner because of witchcraft and sorcery. At 19 she faced the ultimate punishment for her “crimes.” She was burned at the stake. Although Joan of Arc’s story is tragic because of the hardship and danger she faced, 500 years later she was named a Saint. If I were to use this book in the classroom I would use it in an upper grade classroom, most likely, a fifth grade classroom. It is a very serious story but I think it sends a great message to children regarding bravery and courage. These would be two great character traits to talk about concerning the book. It is a rather long book with a lot of history in it. I would certainly recommend reading it to students over a week long period of time, reading and discussing a little bit each day.