Young Joan

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. (Apr.)