Against the fascinating tapestry of Frances history during the Hundred Years War Diane Stanley unfolds the story of the simple thirteen-year-old village girl who in Just a few years would lead France to independence from English rule and thus become a symbol of France s national pride. It is a story of vision and bravery fierce determination and tragic martyrdom. Diane Stanley s extraordinary gift to present historical information in an accessible and child-friendly format has never been more impressive nor her skillful beautifully realized illustrations (here imitating medieval illuminated manuscripts) more exquisite.