You Wouldn't Want to Be Joan of Arc!: A Mission You Might Want to Miss

You Wouldn't Want to Be ...

by Fiona Macdonald, David Antram (Illustrator)

This lively, interactive series will enthrall young and reluctant readers by making them part of the story, inviting them to become the main character and revel in the gory, dark, horrific side of life during important eras in history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Biography

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools, adult education and university, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Reviews

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought, "how are they going to do this one?" but it was done very nicely indeed. They covered everything from the 100 year's war (War of the Roses) to Joan hearing voices, following a command to fight for France, accomplishing her mission (Charles VII is crown in Orléans) and then being charged and convicted. Isabeau, Queen of France is a very important character (spouse turned foe) that I wish had been more elaborated on but alas, it's about Joan. Historical Spoilers?The French lost Joan to the Burgundians which sold her to the English for 10,000 gold coins and then she is imprisoned, burnt at the stake and turned into a Catholic saint. Voilà!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

- "Humorous Handy Hints that relate directly to the text are provided on each spread
- High interest topic for children of all ages
- Draws in even the most reluctant reader with a lighthearted tone and hilarious illustrations
- The cultures and traditions from ancient civilizations through modern times throughout the history of the world spring to life in the pages of this series
- Includes glossary and index
- Perfect for struggling readers"

This is literally my positive feedback on ALL of the You wouldn't want to series so far. I don't do religion well in my books and though it is a huge part of the times of Joan's life, her trial and assumption of witchcraft and the 'spiritual voices' Joan hears, it was what made me not like this particular book more. However, I will say that the authors and illustrators did a very tasteful and respectful and honest look at Joan's life and times. I do think that is the other great part about this series. They don't sugar coat history (I mean they do with the humor, but not withholding information, and if it concerns war, as in Joan's case, the authors leave the reader thinking, is there a good versus bad side in war, making them understand WHY the other side thinks that they are correct in their ideas/actions/moods)

[Megan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in second person, choose-your-own-adventure style, this is fun biography of Joan of Arc for students. Lots of illustrations and side panels to keep the reader engaged.

I did laugh out loud a bit though, when I got to the glossary.

"DAMNED: a religious expression meaning that someone will go to hell after death."

... probably shouldn't have found that as amusing as I did.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. My brain hurt after reading this -- cartoons and text boxes don't necessarily make a text more enjoyable. And on an unrelated note, I'm pretty sure my super-awful Catechism teacher wouldn't have been pleased to see me read it.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must have series for any library collection. This edition focuses on the life and times of Joan of Arc. The illustrations are wonderful, but I felt the writing was a little vague. For reluctant readers though, this is a perfect match!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this book is written in 2nd person perspective. It makes the events seem more exciting. The whole book is set up to be like parts of a mission that you are being told to do. It has a "Here's the scenario you are in, now what should you do?" kind of feel.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love the format or presentation of this biography. It was a little too cartoonish and cutesy!

[Scputval · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this "juvenile" series. Learned a lot about 100 Years War.
Very even-handed considering it deals with hallucinations, religion,
war, greed, torture, etc.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hero or a confused girl hearing strange voices? Either way, Joan changed the course of history and is still remembered throughout France and the world today.

[Kelly Veatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this series is just so cute! I enjoyed learning about Joan of Arc.

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun book! My children and I read it as part of a literature and multimedia based Middle Ages unit. Even my older kids enjoyed the little facts and humor of the book.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kid-friendly book about the life of Joan of Arc, read as part of a homeschool unit on the period of the Hundred Years War.

[Nolan Brendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it because it talked about Joan of Arc and how she helped win the war.