Joan of Arc
Susan Banfield
Joan of Arc
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Banfield
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Joan of Arc was just a simple peasant girl who changed the course of history by leading an army! She faced impossible odds, fought fierce battles, and stood up for her beliefs even when it cost her everything. Discover why her story still inspires courage and hope today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel introduces readers to the life of Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl who led French forces during the Hundred Years' War and was later canonized as a saint. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of bravery, faith, and perseverance with age-appropriate language and content. Parents should note the depiction of historical conflict and Joan's trial, which is handled sensitively.
Why we rated Joan of Arc 9LE
Joan of Arc is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 111 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Joan of Arc works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Joan of Arc as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Joan of Arc explores historical, coming of age, family, faith, and courage — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, coming of age, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0877545561
- Pages
- 111
- Publisher
- Chelsea House
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Nonfiction