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 has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Joan of Arc was just a peasant girl, but she changed history by leading an army! She faced incredible challenges, from battles to being accused of witchcraft, proving courage can come from the most unexpected places. Her story shows how one brave voice can echo through time.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book tells the story of Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl who led the French army during the Hundred Years' War and was later canonized as a saint. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it covers themes of bravery, faith, and historical conflict with sensitivity appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the depiction of Joan's trial and execution, which may prompt thoughtful discussions.
Why we rated Joan of Arc 9ME
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 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Loss & Grief, Historical.
Thematically, Joan of Arc explores history, saints, coming of age, and courage — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 history, saints, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780877545569
- Pages
- 111
- Publisher
- Chelsea House
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Nonfiction