Young Joan

I read this book when I was in 4th grade, then again when I was in 7th grade, and I loved it both times. This book turns Joan of Arc from a legendary character to a real person, and a realistic teenager. Some scenes, such as her meeting the saints, forshadow the great hero she is destined to become, while in other scenes, she is a very normal teenager even with a love intrest. One scene that really shows that is the part where all the children are going for a cart ride and Joan and her friend try to get their love interests to sit next to them. When I read that, I was thinking-"Wow! Why does that sound so much like what my friends do practically everyday at school" Other scenes, such as when the phrophcy is answered, just gave me chills. I give this book a 5 out of 5!!!

I read this book a couple months ago but, here's what i remember. Even though this book is about Joan of Arc, it's a great book for anyone. My friend told me to read this book a while ago because she loved it so much, and she's jewish, and right now, not that much into religion. So truly this book is for anyone who wishes to read something out of the ordinary. Not just a plain fictional book, but one that allows you to think and experience what the life of someone living in the early 1400's

This novel is about Joan of Arc, and what her life might have been like before and during her heroic battle. It is written from her point of view, and is very realistic, and at the same time not so. It really changed the way I think of things, and I think you would like it, if you are interested by now. This book tells about who might have been her friends, how her farm may have been, and everything else about what her life may have been like. In fact, there were only two things that were different about her were 1) Her love for God and 2)Her saints. So, I think this book is one for someone who likes to think about what they read.

As a then nearly 50-year old (and non-Christian) male, I would not have normally found or picked up a "young adult" book about a young Joan of Arc, but the book was given to me and as a courtesy, and I had read my daughter's copy of another Barbara Dana book, "Crazy Eights," so knew of her writing skills. Thus, I started turning the pages. I'm glad I did, and spiritually richer for it. I consider it a universal book for all ages, female or male -- for anyone who could use some inspiration. Of course the Joan of Arc story has uplifting elements, but Barbara Dana's gifts on this work take the story to a new level. As an author myself, someone once asked me what I thought comprised "spiritual" literature -- to me, the content doesn't have to be about angels or miracles, but rather, whatever is uplifting or inspiring, whatever reminds us and calls us to the best wishin us. "Young Joan" does that, and Barbara Dana has done us all a service. I highly recommend it.