Saint Joan of Arc: Quest for Peace
This graphic-novel biography picks up Joan of Arc’s story as her family and fellow villagers seek refuge in Vaucouleurs from the attacks of the Burgundians, allied with the English in the Hundred Years’ War. From here, she hacks off her hair and starts wearing men’s clothes as she makes her way to the Dauphin, the rightful heir to the French throne. The story covers familiar ground as it depicts Joan’s inspiring leadership giving victories to the French, followed by the betrayals that led to her capture and trials, but also shows what the English and their French allies think and do. Much of the dialogue, especially in the trials, is taken directly from contemporary accounts, which make for a text that is more didactic than dramatic. The full-color art, while rather static, is clear and authentic in details of clothing and architecture, and depicts some mild battlefield violence. The underlying religious themes make this a natural choice for Catholic and other Christian schools, but as a historical biography this will be a suitable addition to most school and public libraries as well. Grades 4-6. --Kat Kan