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.