Young Joan: Library Edition [Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

Barbara Dana (Author), Susan O'Malley (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2001

Joan, a girl growing up in the French countryside during the Hundred Years' War, begins to hear voices telling her she is destined to reunite her torn country in opposition to the English invaders.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Though France is torn by the Hundred Years' War, Joan leads an idyllic life with her parents and brothers in peaceful Domremy--delighting in her friends, taking care of her animals and going to church. As she grows, her faith and knowledge of God's ways increase, until one day she receives a wondrous visit: Saint Michael makes himself known to her and gives her a glorious yet terrible mission. She must crown the French Dauphin and mobilize her country to drive out the English--even though, as Saint Margaret and St. Catherine later tell her, "You will be captured." Dana's fictional treatment of the life of Joan before she became legendary gently balances the girl's exceptional devoutness with her human, childlike qualities. This peaceful and comforting telling of an extraordinary story succeeds in giving clear, knowing insight into the seldom treated subject of intense religiosity. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-12-- A historical novel about the early life of Joan of Arc, from ages 13-17. The effort is commendable, considering the meager information available and the difficulty of conveying spiritual experiences. Unfortunately, the book suffers from major problems. It is far too long, interspersing Joan's visions with routine activities and in the process becoming slow, repetitious, and downright boring. Also, it lacks a serious conflict; readers know the outcome, and will impatiently skip the philosophizing. Another drawback is the use of unusual sentence constructions (e.g., "I see you not"). These are annoying after a few chapters, and make the writing sound forced. In addition, the work sorely needs a map, bibliography, and author's note detailing what is invented (and why) and what is factual. The jacket painting shows a child of ten--younger than the teenagers about and for whom the book is written. And, in contrast with reputable histories, this Joan is overly sentimental, lacking in confidence and common sense. Stick to Brooks's excellent YA biography, Beyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of Arc (Lippincott, 1990). --Ann W. Moore, formerly at Lane Road Library, Columbus, OH
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks; Unabridged edition (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786120770
• ISBN-13: 978-0786120772
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,522,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Most Inspiring Books I've Read, August 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Young Joan (Paperback)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Loved this Book, September 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Young Joan (Paperback)

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

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joan of Arc, June 23, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Young Joan (Paperback)

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!!!