School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4 Recently, there have been several picture books and at least one novel about Joan of Arc; Hodges's retelling of the famous story can claim a niche as a first introduction to this most famous French heroine to a younger age group. The brief narrative includes only the most familiar incidents and anecdotes of Joan's life in skillfully structured language that is clear and understandable. Like the text, Rayevsky's illustrations are reduced to essentials. Delicately drawn etchings with subdued coloration, inspired by medieval manuscripts, are placed within bordered rectangles of varied size. They perfectly match the quiet, explanatory tone of the writing. The only alterations to the legendary story occur with the banner carried by Joan, said here to display the royal lilies of France (thus her name of the Lily Maid) rather than the sign of the Virgin Mary, and all mentions of angels and God are in the mind and heart of Joan or are attributed to the popular piety of the time. In contrast, Josephine Poole's Joan of Arc (Knopf, 1998) is the story of Joan's sainthood as an instrument of God. Diane Stanley's Joan of Arc (Morrow, 1998), written for upper grades, tells of Joan's role in French history. Hodges's emphasis is on Joan's faith and determined leadership, giving this narrative the underlying theme of a young woman's courage in a time of war and brutality. The story stands alone for its adventure and values, but an author's note gives background details of the 15th-century war in which Joan took part. Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Compared to Diane Stanley's intellectually challenging Joan of Arc or to Josephine Poole and Angela Barrett's ardent, spiritual Joan of Arc, Hodges's (Saint George and the Dragon) retelling of the saint's story seems flat. She sets out the main events of Joan's life, from Joan hearing the voice of Saint Michael to her stoic battles against the English to her trial and martyr's death. Hodges skips over much, relegating key informationÄincluding the charges at Joan's trialÄto an endnote. What makes this book worthwhile is Rayevsky's (Bernal & Florinda) suggestive, atmospheric art. Set into tall pages bordered by rules of scarlet, his printsÄdry-point and etchingsÄevoke medieval paintings and drawings. He stays away from the lavish style of such works as the Trs Riches Heures, and takes a relatively humble approach, more Bayeux Tapestry than ornate illuminated manuscript. His perspectives and modeling are generally flattened in a medieval style and his colors look muted or faded. While his compositions are not entirely consistent in their appropriation of medieval conventions, they successfully convey the flavor, and their restraint and modesty draw attention to Joan's identity as a peasant girl who became a hero of the people. Ages 6-10. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
