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(2)
YA
In this impressionistic verse novel, "voices" refers to Joan of Arc's messages from the saints; people testifying for and against her; Joan herself; and objects made sentient (dress, sword, fire, etc.). Elliott adheres to medieval poetic forms while highlighting contemporary themes such as gender identity, cross-dressing, and sexuality. Strong rhythm, rhyme scheme, and repetition make for a reading experience that resonates with the rigid social structures of Joan's time and her own compulsions.
Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2019
495 pp.
| HarperCollins/B+B
| June, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-249011-7$17.99
(1)
YA
In this engrossing first-person, present-tense verse novel, Hemphill reimagines the fifteenth-century life of French martyr Joan of Arc from thirteen when "Jehanne" is first called by God, to leading troops on the battlefields, to being burned at the stake at nineteen. The spare, propulsive free verse reinforces Jehanne's passion for her unconventional life; the intimate narrative style makes her a sympathetic, relatable figure. An author's note separates fact from fiction. Additional historical context is included. Bib.
Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2019
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Sam Hart.
Colored by Sam Hart and Flavio Costa. Lettered by Cadu Simões. This graphic novel presentation of the life of Joan of Arc begins with Joan facing death. The narrative then flashes back to her childhood and first vision through her years fighting for France until her death by burning at the stake. The art effectively uses light and shadow to dramatic effect. Published as fiction, the book lacks any notes or biographical information.
56 pp.
| Cavendish
| September, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5953-8$19.99
(4)
4-6
Demi brings her signature gilded iconography to the story of Joan of Arc, from her childhood in Domrémy to her execution in Rouen at the age of nineteen. Accepting Joan's version of herself and with many (unsourced) quotes from the saint, the book is a good introduction. The pictures are reverent but small and static, only occasionally surprising the eye.
(3)
4-6
Sterling Biographies series.
Rich with facts, these biographies go beyond basic information and personal mythologies to reveal the lasting achievements and human foibles of six incredible women. Each thoughtfully designed volume draws readers in, vividly bringing to life the various places and times, from Joan of Arc's fifteenth-century France to Amelia Earhart's twentieth-century America, through informational sidebars, photographs, and document reproductions. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Sterling Biographies titles: Helen Keller, Cleopatra, Marie Curie, Amelia Earhart, Anne Frank, and Joan of Arc.
160 pp.
| Enslow
| June, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-2716-9$34.60
(4)
YA
Rulers of the Middle Ages series.
These volumes introduce four personalities of the Middle Ages, each of whom had a profound impact on his or her own time and on history. Decorative borders and some papers, maps, and reproductions reinforce the particular nature of the historical period. Plenty of subheads break the narrative into manageable chunks. The writing, though clear, is unexciting. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Rulers of the Middle Ages titles: William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, and Saladin.
64 pp.
| National
| September, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4263-0116-2$17.95
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4263-0117-9$27.90
(3)
4-6
National Geographic World History Biographies series.
Beginning with childhood, these handsomely designed books trace the lives of each historical figure, highlighting small details (e.g., as a child Joan was "well behaved"), major achievements, struggles, and their impact today. Most pages feature a running timeline, artwork reproductions or other illustrations, and factual text boxes, which further help set these extraordinary lives in historical context. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these National Geographic World History Biographies titles: Isaac Newton and Joan of Arc.
48 pp.
| Random
| May, 2003
|
LibraryISBN 0-375-90620-7$$11.99
|
PaperISBN 0-375-80620-2$$3.99
(3)
K-3
Step into Reading series.
Illustrated by
Dan Andreasen
&
Dan Andreasen.
This lively biography tells the story of the French farm girl who listened to voices she said were sent to her by God, led her country into victorious battle against the English in the fifteenth century, was burned at the stake as a witch, and eventually sainted. Brief paragraphs and short sentences help make the history accessible. Sepia-toned illustrations rendered in simple lines adequately convey the story's events.
128 pp.
| Enslow
| April, 2003
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1938-1$$20.95
(3)
YA
In World History series.
In balanced, readable prose, the books in this series recount their subjects' actions and motivations, setting them within appropriate cultural contexts: Queen Victoria's role in establishing the British Empire; Joan's martyrdom; Cromwell's assumption of power to rule England; and the ruthlessness of the Inquisition. Black-and-white illustrations and sidebars of primary material extend the documented text. Bib., ind. [Review covers these In World History titles: The British Empire and Queen Victoria in World History, Joan of Arc and the Hundred Years' War in World History, Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War in World History, and The Spanish Inquisition in World History.]
94 pp.
| Chelsea
| December, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-7910-6314-3$$21.95
(4)
4-6
Women of Achievement series.
Quoting profusely from their subjects, as well as their peers and historians, the books in this series offer laudatory biographies of these influential women. Joan uses extensive excerpts from trial transcripts and documents, although there are no source notes. Mostly dull black-and-white photos and reproductions do little to break up or extend the text. All the books include a timeline. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Katharine Graham, Diane Sawyer, Joan of Arc, Amy Tan, Martha Stewart.]
(4)
K-3
Dorling Kindersley Readers series.
Written in simple language, this basic outline of Joan of Arc's life manages to convey a balanced view of the enigmatic saint. Factual asides in the margins expand on points in the text but tend to interrupt the narrative flow and are sometimes of limited relevance. Black-and-white and color illustrations from current and archival sources illustrate the book. Glos., ind.
112 pp.
| Lerner
| June, 2000
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-4981-6$$25.26
(4)
YA
A & E Biography series.
Spanning two millennia, this unlikely trio of female notables is featured in volumes that adequately cover their lives in uninspired prose. The texts occasionally detour to include brief information boxes containing background material. The books are illustrated with serviceable photos--in both black and white and color--and reproductions. Cleopatra includes a time line; Estefan has a discography. Bib., ind.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| September, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1424-8$$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Robert Rayevsky.
A simple, matter-of-fact, yet graceful biography effectively presents the dramatic events in the life of the peasant girl who led the French army to victory against the English and later became a saint. Illustrations rendered in dry point and etching on buff-colored paper have an elegant simplicity well suited to the story's medieval setting. An author's note provides additional details about Joan's life.
122 pp.
| Harcourt
| March, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-15-201736-4$$23.00
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Michael Foreman.
Despite modern-day scenes that bookend the story and the text's occasional lapse into the point of view of Joan's pet sparrow, this novel effectively brings the fervent heroine to life. Following voices that she believes convey messages from God, fifteen-year-old Joan takes control of the French army and leads them to victory. Liberally illustrated with large watercolors, the book incorporates Joan's actual words as recorded at her trial.
(1)
K-3
Illustrated by
Angela Barrett.
Poole's treatment of her subject is deeply spiritual, evanescent, a haunting impression of an era, a place, and an enigmatic human being, anchored in time by an adjoined chronology. The text reads like a story, a recounting of an extraordinary event, repeated to a young audience to ensure that Joan's memory would remain alive. Barrett's dramatic full-color illustrations unfold like a gorgeous pageant in this compelling presentation.
Reviewer: Mary M. Burns
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 1998
(1)
4-6
Emphasizing the historical Joan, Stanley's portrait includes a concise, thoughtful introduction to the political and social nuances of the Hundred Years' War and an appended description of events transpiring after Joan's martyrdom. Arresting in its visual beauty, the presentation incorporates elements of medieval illumination and allusions to the somewhat flat style of Boutet de Monvel's illustrations from the late nineteenth century. Bib.
Reviewer: Mary M. Burns
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 1998
16 reviews
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