Saint Joan of Arc:
The Girl Who Heard God's Call
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
Paddy Bréagnamh
ISBN 9798899680076
eISBN 9798899680083
ASIN B0F88HYC9D
I have loved reading about Saint Joan for year, and was thrilled when my youngest picked her as her confirmation saint. I originally picked up a volume in this series on Pope Leo XIV and loved it, and I look forward to reading the others in the series and hope they release many, many more. The description of the book is:
“The true story of a teenage girl who changed history—by listening to God.
Saint Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Heard God's Call is an inspiring children’s chapter book about one of the Church’s most courageous saints. Perfect for readers ages 8–10, this engaging biography brings Joan’s story to life with vivid storytelling, historical context, and faith-filled encouragement.
Young readers will follow Joan from her quiet village in France to the battlefield, the royal court, and the flames of martyrdom—always trusting the voice that called her to be brave.
Beautifully told for kids ages 8–10
Perfect for First Communion, saint reports, or family reading
Includes a reflection section and timeline
Part of the best-selling Mini Saints & Missionaries Library series
Ideal for Catholic families, classrooms, and young readers who want to live with courage and purpose.”
I do not know if the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a real name or pen name, I can only find the 5 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several book stores online. This second volume in the series was a great read and I look forward to the remaining three. The chapters and sections in the volume are:
Introduction
1: A Village Girl with Big Faith
2: A Girl with a Mission
3: The Banner and the Battle
4: Crowning the King
5: Captured and Alone
6: Martyrdom and Glory
7: A Legacy That Lives On
8: Be Brave Like Joan
Reflection Questions
Timeline of Saint Joan of Arc
Author’s Note
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series
This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has an illustration on the chapter title page. The information is what is generally available online and other sources. The material was put together very well. It is a great introduction to the saint, or a reminder about her and her life. I highlighted several passages while reading this volume some of them are:
“Some saints lived quiet lives of prayer. Some lived during wars, surrounded by danger. And some were teenage girls with a mission from God.”
“This is the story of a girl who trusted God more than anything else. She wasn't afraid to stand alone. She was only afraid of ignoring her mission.”
“Even as a young child, Joan was drawn to prayer. She loved to sit quietly in the church, thinking about the saints and about Jesus. Some people thought she was too serious for her age. But Joan felt close to God---like He was right there with her.”
“But Joan didn't give up. She returned again and again, insisting she had a divine mission. People in the town began to take notice. They saw how serious she was, how strong her faith seemed. Some began to believe her.”
“Joan didn't ask for a sword. She asked for a banner. She had one made---a white flag decorated with golden lilies, the name of Jesus, and a picture of Christ in glory. She carried it proudly. It was a sign that her mission came from God.”
“When the time came to enter battle, Joan dressed in armor and rode on horseback. Her banner led the way. She didn't fight with weapons---she fought with courage and faith. During one of the battles, Joan was wounded by an arrow in her shoulder. Everyone thought she would retreat. But she didn't. She prayed, got back on her horse, and returned to the front lines. "Do not be afraid," she told the soldiers. "The victory is ours."”
“When they asked, "Are you in God's grace?" she replied, "If I am, may God keep me there. If I am not, may He put me there." The judges didn't know how to respond.”
“Years later, the Church opened a new investigation. Witnesses came forward---soldiers, priests, even townspeople who had seen her trial and death. They all said the same thing: Joan had been faithful. Joan had been holy. Joan had told the truth.”
“Today, Saint Joan is remembered all over the world. She is the patron saint of France, of soldiers, and of young people who are called to be brave. Her legacy lives on---not just in books or statues, but in every heart that dares to trust God, even when it's hard. Joan faced fire without fear, because she knew the light of Heaven was waiting.”
“Over the centuries, Joan became a symbol of courage, purity, and patriotism. People admired her not only for what she had done, but for the way she had done it---with grace, determination, and faith. Artists painted her riding into battle. Writers told her story in books and plays. Statues of her were built in towns across France and beyond. Her image stood for bravery and hope.”
“Joan's story is not just about armor and battles. It's about listening when God speaks. Standing tall when others doubt you. And staying faithful, even when the path is hard. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who dare to believe. And in every young person who hears God's call and says: "Yes.”
I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. Over the years I have read much about Joan, and this is an excellent read about this saint. At the end of the volume is a selection of reflection questions for group discussion with kids. It was a wonderful little read. I enjoyed this volume. I can easily recommend it.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Other books about Joan of Arc:
Saint Joan of Arc The Girl Who Heard God's Call - Paddy Bréagnamh
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Books in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series:
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Lives of Women Saints: 52 True Stories of Courage, Faith, and Character
The Lives of Women Saints Coloring & Activity Book
The Lives of Women Saints Workbook
Mini Saints & Missionaries Seven Saints for Boys A First Communion Collection of Courage and Faith
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