First published 2016
Joan grows up in a French village while English forces ravage her homeland during the Hundred Years' War. At eleven, she begins receiving visions from saints commanding her to drive out the invaders and crown the rightful king. The messages persist as Joan reaches her teenage years. She convinces the court to give her soldiers and armor. Joan leads French troops against English strongholds, winning victories that seemed impossible. Her military success makes her famous across France. Enemy forces eventually capture Joan and put her on trial for heresy. She refuses to deny her visions even when threatened with death. The English burn Joan at the stake, but her sacrifice ignites French resistance. Her courage transforms a losing war and creates a legend that endures centuries after her execution.
Genres: biography, historical-fiction, war, military-history
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: based-on-true-events, chosen-one
Setting: France, England
Period: Hundred Years' War
112 pages · Paperback · Penguin Workshop
Content warnings: violence