What do you think?
Rate this book
Joan of Arc
It's wonderfully written and illustrated book portraying Joan of Arc's story. Educational and enjoyable for children.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Diane Stanley
76 books184 followersDiane Stanley is an American children's author and illustrator, a former medical illustrator, and a former art director for the publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons. Born in 1943 in Abilene, Texas, she was educated at Trinity University (in San Antonio, TX) and at Johns Hopkins University. She is perhaps best known for her many picture-book biographies, some of which were co-authored by her husband, Peter Vennema. (source: Wikipedia)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 11, 2016
This is an excellently done biography of an honored lady of history. Of course the illustrations are beautiful as Diane Stanley's always are, but what impressed my 9 year old son and I most was the way Joan's story helped us wrestle with the question "Who are the good guys?" Up to this point, the British have often been on the "good guy" side in our history readings, but my son commented after reading this biography that he wasn't so sure who the good guys were now. I love that an engaging story of the life of a young woman from hundreds of years ago helped my son to think so deeply!
July 17, 2026
One of our favorite books of the school year! Joan is now a hero of mine.
September 16, 2015
An excellent and detailed account of Joan of Arc. The illustrations have a nice feel to them, in keeping with the time period of the story. It didn't take all that long to go through this book with my daughter for school. She listened to the entire thing in one sitting, with her attention never wavering once though the death of Joan was a little bit upsetting to her. Overall, this explains this portion of history very well and was a nice addition to our homeschool curriculum.
June 26, 2019
”I am not afraid. I was born to do this.”
If you’re a history buff (particularly if your love started in childhood), you were probably obsessed with one time figure or one historical figure. For some it was the requisite Tudor obsession; for others it was the doomed Russian Romanovs. While I can’t recall what my first historical obsession was, I do have a clear memory of the first historical figure I was a just a little obsessed with.
Her name was Joan of Arc.
I don’t remember why or how, but all I know is that around the time I was in 7th grade, I had a preoccupation with this teenage saint. I wanted to know everything about her and watch everything that was even remotely related to the subject of her. When we had to do a historical report on a famous figure, I wanted to write about Joan of Arc. Someone beat me to it so I picked my next choice (Catherine the Great, in an amusing twist). Joan of Arc was my ride or die, and I wanted to know everything about her life and what she did.
I mean, we’re talking about an illiterate peasant girl who could barely write her own name and was just a teenager when she became one of the most famous figureheads during the One Hundred Years War. She had the French royalty eating out of her hands. She inspired fear in the hearts of the British royalty so much so that they did everything they could to stop her. Unfortunately, they did just that and she ended up being dead before she even reached twenty years old. I mean, how many present teenagers/young adults would willingly do that? With everyone griping about how today’s Generation Z’ers do nothing but post videos on their social media and are basically a wart on the face of society, Joan was getting shit done and in a big way. There’s a reason she’s so revered even to this day.
Diane Stanley has written a meticulously detailed account of her life that is accessible to young readers. The illustrations are gorgeous, she’s broken down all the events in a way that’s not confusing or mind-numbingly boring, and she gives readers an insight on how the past and present view Joan. There’s even a pronunciation guide towards the front for the like-minded people who want to pronounce those French words.
A word of caution, though: this book is not for early or very young readers. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone under the age of about 8. Why? While the information is broken down into a fairly easy to understand format, it’s not broken down so easy enough that a small kid would be able to get into it. The narrative is extremely dry and probably would not interest your average young child. I would say that this book is more readily accessible for upper elementary students and is a great resource for a book report or project, if need be.
This book satisfied my inner middle-school self who was so fascinated by this teenage girl who became a saint. It’s interesting to note that in the afterward the author wrote about the differing opinions of Joan and those who question her motives even to this day. It’s worth thinking about, and it sheds light on how little we might really know about Joan. However, this comprehensive picture autobiography provides a good insight onto this brave, enigmatic, and mesmerizing figure in history.
If you’re a history buff (particularly if your love started in childhood), you were probably obsessed with one time figure or one historical figure. For some it was the requisite Tudor obsession; for others it was the doomed Russian Romanovs. While I can’t recall what my first historical obsession was, I do have a clear memory of the first historical figure I was a just a little obsessed with.
Her name was Joan of Arc.
I don’t remember why or how, but all I know is that around the time I was in 7th grade, I had a preoccupation with this teenage saint. I wanted to know everything about her and watch everything that was even remotely related to the subject of her. When we had to do a historical report on a famous figure, I wanted to write about Joan of Arc. Someone beat me to it so I picked my next choice (Catherine the Great, in an amusing twist). Joan of Arc was my ride or die, and I wanted to know everything about her life and what she did.
I mean, we’re talking about an illiterate peasant girl who could barely write her own name and was just a teenager when she became one of the most famous figureheads during the One Hundred Years War. She had the French royalty eating out of her hands. She inspired fear in the hearts of the British royalty so much so that they did everything they could to stop her. Unfortunately, they did just that and she ended up being dead before she even reached twenty years old. I mean, how many present teenagers/young adults would willingly do that? With everyone griping about how today’s Generation Z’ers do nothing but post videos on their social media and are basically a wart on the face of society, Joan was getting shit done and in a big way. There’s a reason she’s so revered even to this day.
Diane Stanley has written a meticulously detailed account of her life that is accessible to young readers. The illustrations are gorgeous, she’s broken down all the events in a way that’s not confusing or mind-numbingly boring, and she gives readers an insight on how the past and present view Joan. There’s even a pronunciation guide towards the front for the like-minded people who want to pronounce those French words.
A word of caution, though: this book is not for early or very young readers. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone under the age of about 8. Why? While the information is broken down into a fairly easy to understand format, it’s not broken down so easy enough that a small kid would be able to get into it. The narrative is extremely dry and probably would not interest your average young child. I would say that this book is more readily accessible for upper elementary students and is a great resource for a book report or project, if need be.
This book satisfied my inner middle-school self who was so fascinated by this teenage girl who became a saint. It’s interesting to note that in the afterward the author wrote about the differing opinions of Joan and those who question her motives even to this day. It’s worth thinking about, and it sheds light on how little we might really know about Joan. However, this comprehensive picture autobiography provides a good insight onto this brave, enigmatic, and mesmerizing figure in history.
May 18, 2021
3.75 This was assigned reading for school history. It was great to learn all that we did about Joan. It was all based off of two court documents, the first at her heresy trial and the other after her death when they renounced the charges against her some years later. The drawings were fun and the boys were interested. It is just a tragic story.
January 9, 2024
Great illustrations! Such a tragic story. Read with Lucy for AO year 2 biography.
2026, read again with Knox for AO year 2.
2026, read again with Knox for AO year 2.
January 14, 2024
Diane Stanley's gorgeous picture book biographies are worth their weight in gold. What a treasure! Whenever I think of them I feel a flush of gratitude for her skill as author and illustrator and the inspired idea of creating these sumptuous elementary biographies.
The illustrations deserve the biggest share of praise: exceptionally fine artistically and exceptionally faithful to the visual aesthetic they represent. Stanley's paintings of Joan of Arc's world truly look like they belong to that world, not to the late 20th century world they come from.
But the text, too, is well-crafted: lively prose, good storytelling, and impressively detailed history. Almost every page of the book deals with historical situations that are difficult to compress into anything a second-grader can follow. But Diane Stanley does it with honesty and artistry, without dumbing it down or over simplifying.
To paraphrase Anne Shirley (perhaps unpardonably but very sincerely), I'm so glad to live in a world where there are Diane Stanley biographies!
The illustrations deserve the biggest share of praise: exceptionally fine artistically and exceptionally faithful to the visual aesthetic they represent. Stanley's paintings of Joan of Arc's world truly look like they belong to that world, not to the late 20th century world they come from.
But the text, too, is well-crafted: lively prose, good storytelling, and impressively detailed history. Almost every page of the book deals with historical situations that are difficult to compress into anything a second-grader can follow. But Diane Stanley does it with honesty and artistry, without dumbing it down or over simplifying.
To paraphrase Anne Shirley (perhaps unpardonably but very sincerely), I'm so glad to live in a world where there are Diane Stanley biographies!
Read
February 16, 20223.5 ⭐️
February 17, 2022
I really appreciate the tiny maps at the top of the pages, as well as the pronunciation guide. The pictures were beautiful and we couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen.
April 10, 2023
Brooklyn read this on her own to research her Confirmation saint, St Joan of Arc.
July 3, 2024
A beautiful book and so well done. Love the concluding remarks about history and mystery, too.
My 8 year old loved this book
My 8 year old loved this book
November 12, 2013
The story of Joan of Arc is a challenging one. At 17, she had no education and could not read or write. She was not a noblewoman, but a mere peasant. She was a girl, not a strong young man fit for knightly glories. Did this uneducated, inexperienced, young peasant girl really hear voices from God that told her to lead the French into battle? Or was she simply an opportunist who capitalized on a common prophecy that a virgin would lead France to victory?
The betrayal and disappointing ineptitude of the Frenchman around her adds color to her adventures, as she goes from being considered a handy good luck charm to a powerful inspiration to soldiers and townspeople alike.
Stanley gives us a factual account of Joan's story. Too wordy for elementary readers, this book does make a good read aloud. Stanley's before and after notes help put Joan's story in perspective. The map can be copied and the students can follow along. The pronunciation guide is helpful to the reader. Late elementary/ early junior high readers can read for themselves.
Stanley doesn't fall prey to only telling us of Joan's accomplishments and prophecies, but also of her weakness in recanting, attempted suicide and fear of death.
Children will need to discuss this material, and I wouldn't give them the book without an outlet for examining the real questions it raises. Of course you will want to discuss the question of whether or not her voices were from God, but there is so much more. The role and view of women. Joan's representation of the oppressed classes/ lack of social standing for what she did. The prophecies associated with her. Her simple upbringing. etc.
Teachers will have to gauge a student's readiness to engage on these and other topics covered in the book. An excellent resource that can grow with your students.
The betrayal and disappointing ineptitude of the Frenchman around her adds color to her adventures, as she goes from being considered a handy good luck charm to a powerful inspiration to soldiers and townspeople alike.
Stanley gives us a factual account of Joan's story. Too wordy for elementary readers, this book does make a good read aloud. Stanley's before and after notes help put Joan's story in perspective. The map can be copied and the students can follow along. The pronunciation guide is helpful to the reader. Late elementary/ early junior high readers can read for themselves.
Stanley doesn't fall prey to only telling us of Joan's accomplishments and prophecies, but also of her weakness in recanting, attempted suicide and fear of death.
Children will need to discuss this material, and I wouldn't give them the book without an outlet for examining the real questions it raises. Of course you will want to discuss the question of whether or not her voices were from God, but there is so much more. The role and view of women. Joan's representation of the oppressed classes/ lack of social standing for what she did. The prophecies associated with her. Her simple upbringing. etc.
Teachers will have to gauge a student's readiness to engage on these and other topics covered in the book. An excellent resource that can grow with your students.
April 14, 2012
This biographical picturebook tells us about the events leading up to Joan of Arc's execution. It is intended for children ages 8-12(I).
There is a wealth of information in this book for the intermediate reader. The author even included a French pronunciation guide. It would be beneficial to have a copy of this book at home and at school. The full page illustrations are detailed and realistic. I am not sure that this would make a good read aloud book, but it is excellent for research and reference. This book would be a good starting point for a class discussion on capitol punishment.
This book is available in print.
There is a wealth of information in this book for the intermediate reader. The author even included a French pronunciation guide. It would be beneficial to have a copy of this book at home and at school. The full page illustrations are detailed and realistic. I am not sure that this would make a good read aloud book, but it is excellent for research and reference. This book would be a good starting point for a class discussion on capitol punishment.
This book is available in print.
Read
May 24, 2023A very accurate, living history book of Joan of Arc. All quotes are taken from her trial records, and the author explains her sources and possible explanations for Joan’s visions at the end. I appreciated the French pronunciation guide in the beginning and referenced it often. My son and I had a much greater understanding of the politics of that time, which we’d read about in our other history readings, and her life. Worth the read, and best taken in small chunks, I believe. (We did 2 pages per week.)
February 27, 2015
We loved this informative picture book about Joan of Arc. I've only seen them movies about her and this is my kids first exposure to her. Warning for those with children with loving hearts, it can be very rough. My son told me he wanted to cry because of all the violence and didn't like how they hurt Joan of Arc.
October 8, 2025
I love Diane Stanley's children's biographies! This reads like an exciting chapter book, even as it incorporates details and quotations from primary sources. My kids (1st - 8th grade) were completely engrossed, and begging to finish it when I said we had to save the second half for the next day. The violent end of Joan of Arc's life is not sugar-coated, but is handled quite tastefully. My six-year-old daughter could appreciate the story without inappropriate subjects coming up, while my middle schoolers and I could clearly understand some of the terrible circumstances that plagued her in her captivity and death.
Some features I find particularly valuable as an educator include:
- Detailed, beautiful, and engaging illustrations to draw readers in and help them to visualize unfamiliar scenes.
- Maps drawn especially to accompany pages where specific places are mentioned; they include just enough detail to orient the reader and pique the children's interest, without overwhelming them with too much information
- A historical note at the end of the book explaining what source material was used and how it was incorporated. This was written carefully enough that the students were still willing to sit through it as well. Introducing children to the idea of source material, and that how it's handled matters, is extremely important... perhaps more important than it has ever been before.
- A clear and concise section guiding readers (including young students) through how to consider the historicity of events surrounding a subject who claimed to see supernatural visions. This facilitated discussion of the difference between observable facts, personal testimony, etc.
Some features I find particularly valuable as an educator include:
- Detailed, beautiful, and engaging illustrations to draw readers in and help them to visualize unfamiliar scenes.
- Maps drawn especially to accompany pages where specific places are mentioned; they include just enough detail to orient the reader and pique the children's interest, without overwhelming them with too much information
- A historical note at the end of the book explaining what source material was used and how it was incorporated. This was written carefully enough that the students were still willing to sit through it as well. Introducing children to the idea of source material, and that how it's handled matters, is extremely important... perhaps more important than it has ever been before.
- A clear and concise section guiding readers (including young students) through how to consider the historicity of events surrounding a subject who claimed to see supernatural visions. This facilitated discussion of the difference between observable facts, personal testimony, etc.
September 2, 2020
This is a rather difficult biography to make appropriate for a child but it's managed well here. The more grim details are mentioned but not lingered on. There is more about her fear of burning than detail on the page where she's actually executed.
I was concerned that my rather sensitive child would be bothered but it didn't turn out to be the problem I was worried about. For that I credit the author's ability to play down the gruesomeness of her method of execution. My other concern was that it would be left out since that seems to be a tactic often employed when writing history for children. If something might be upsetting, we'll just leave it out. That presents the problem of leaving at best an incomplete and at worst an inaccurate view of events. So it is mentioned and then the narrative moves on and the book ends as positively as her story can, with the way she impacted history.
I was concerned that my rather sensitive child would be bothered but it didn't turn out to be the problem I was worried about. For that I credit the author's ability to play down the gruesomeness of her method of execution. My other concern was that it would be left out since that seems to be a tactic often employed when writing history for children. If something might be upsetting, we'll just leave it out. That presents the problem of leaving at best an incomplete and at worst an inaccurate view of events. So it is mentioned and then the narrative moves on and the book ends as positively as her story can, with the way she impacted history.
Read
June 22, 2025Detailed account and detailed notes in front (100 Years War) and back, pronunciation guide, map.
1412-1431
At the end, Joan was captured. At her trial (Inquisition), they asked her trick questions, e.g. if she was in a state of grace. Joan was illiterate. Her answer: If I am not, may God put me there; if I am, may God keep me there.
She is found guilty of heresy and burned at the stake.
Later, King Charles tries to clear her name. The Pope orders a Trial of Rehabilitation and investigation. Twenty five years after her death she is cleared. She is made a saint in 1920.
Because of the transcript of Joan's trial for heresy and the Trial of Rehabilitation "we know more about Joan of Arc than about any other woman who lived before modern times."
What of the miraculous visions and voices she said she saw and heard?
"Sometimes in studying history, we have to accept what we know and let the rest remain a mystery."
1412-1431
At the end, Joan was captured. At her trial (Inquisition), they asked her trick questions, e.g. if she was in a state of grace. Joan was illiterate. Her answer: If I am not, may God put me there; if I am, may God keep me there.
She is found guilty of heresy and burned at the stake.
Later, King Charles tries to clear her name. The Pope orders a Trial of Rehabilitation and investigation. Twenty five years after her death she is cleared. She is made a saint in 1920.
Because of the transcript of Joan's trial for heresy and the Trial of Rehabilitation "we know more about Joan of Arc than about any other woman who lived before modern times."
What of the miraculous visions and voices she said she saw and heard?
"Sometimes in studying history, we have to accept what we know and let the rest remain a mystery."
March 8, 2017
Excellent! This is a very detailed account with beautiful, detailed illustrations. I read this with my daughter, as it went along with our geography lesson, and it also happens to be International Women's Day, so double win. It is a long book, so I assumed we would read it in sections, but my heart soared as she kept asking to read more and I eventually stopped asking and just read the whole thing in one sitting. We were both riveted. Joan of Arc is one of my favorite people and though we both knew the story, it never gets old. Love, love, loved it!
December 31, 2021
Not my favorite biography of Joan but as an introduction to her, this gets the job done. It was wearying for me to read aloud, I don’t know what it was precisely but I just didn’t love the prose. The illustrations were nice and detailed, but didn’t draw me more into the story. Student I was reading it to was engaged off and on with the book, and to be fair, did give me pretty decent narrations of what I read.
April 21, 2026
Genre: Biographical Nonfiction
Grade Range: 5th-6th
This book is definitely for older grades since this is a very long text with words that are hard to understand, define, and pronounce. The illustrations are beautiful and feel like an old painting. This is a great comprehensible retelling of Joan of Arc life. It gives context within the story (like explaining why Joan of Arc wouldn't have been scared when getting visions), which helps readers create deeper understanding throughout reading.
Grade Range: 5th-6th
This book is definitely for older grades since this is a very long text with words that are hard to understand, define, and pronounce. The illustrations are beautiful and feel like an old painting. This is a great comprehensible retelling of Joan of Arc life. It gives context within the story (like explaining why Joan of Arc wouldn't have been scared when getting visions), which helps readers create deeper understanding throughout reading.
June 18, 2026
If you are looking for an approachable biography series with beautiful illustrations for kids, these Diane Stanley books are wonderful. Joan of Arc's story was told with diligence for the historic record and offered understanding of her story without judgment. My children enjoyed learning about her in this format.
September 5, 2019
Interesting little book. I think this is the one scheduled for AO year 2, which is why I picked it up. But I read it because I needed a biography of a person from the Middle Ages for the #rareadingchallenge2019, and my brain is too mush right now to read a tough grown up one.
April 24, 2020
Grade Range : 1st - 3rd
Genre: Biography
Joan of Arc is such an interesting person to me that I wish the school would have taught me about! I really enjoy books with women role models because they teach such important lessons. I believe this book may be harder for some students to understand!
Genre: Biography
Joan of Arc is such an interesting person to me that I wish the school would have taught me about! I really enjoy books with women role models because they teach such important lessons. I believe this book may be harder for some students to understand!
November 25, 2023
Biography
3rd-6th grade
This book gave a very detailed account of Joan's life. It captures the action amazingly well with vivid imagery. Each page's illustrations fit with the medieval time period in which Joan lived. This book would be both entertaining and informative for children.
3rd-6th grade
This book gave a very detailed account of Joan's life. It captures the action amazingly well with vivid imagery. Each page's illustrations fit with the medieval time period in which Joan lived. This book would be both entertaining and informative for children.
March 1, 2026
Pre-read for AO:F1B. Loved the story and illustrations, but the French really got me! Went slowly so I could write pronunciations next to names in hopes that I can fly through the read-aloud more quickly next year!
September 3, 2026
This was an excellent picture book for older kids and the illustrations are amazing. I will definitely be reading more by this author. I think younger kids might have a hard time sitting through it though, I would recommend it on a case by case basis.
June 3, 2017
Really good account of joan of arc. It tells how she became a hero and her tragic death.
August 20, 2019
i like it i just like it
Read
September 26, 2019Oh goodness this was hard to get through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews