The Language of Fire by Stephanie Hemphill

Praise for HIDEOUS LOVE: “This present-tense novel in verse provides an intimate glimpse into Mary’s life…Readers will identify the parallels between the creation of a monster and the creation of her famous book. riveting portrait of the artist as a young woman.” - Kirkus Reviews “Hemphill’s rousing novel in verse breathes life into the tale of Joan of Arc.” - School Library Journal “ engrossing first-person, present-tense verse novel… humanizes and makes her a sympathetic and relatable figure, even over six hundred years later.” - Horn Book (starred review) A moving and in many ways motivating experience.” - ALA Booklist (starred review) The writing is often poetic with images that linger…. “It’s not easy to both tell a story and explain history, but Hemphill does both beautifully. Despite the impossible odds, Jehanne became a fearless warrior who has inspired generations. She runs away from home, dresses in men’s clothes, and convinces an army that she will lead France to victory.Īs a girl in a man’s world, at a time when women truly had no power, Jehanne faced constant threats and violence from the men around her. Through sheer determination and incredible courage, Jehanne becomes the unlikeliest of heroes. She begins to understand that she has been called by God, chosen for a higher purpose-to save France. Until one day, she hears a voice call to her, telling her she is destined for important things. Jehanne was an illiterate peasant, never quite at home among her siblings and peers. This extraordinary verse novel from award-winning author Stephanie Hemphill dares to imagine how an ordinary girl became a great leader, and ultimately saved a nation.

The Language of Fire is a lyrical, dark, and moving look at the life of Joan of Arc, who as a teen girl in the fifteenth century commanded an army and helped crown a king of France.

The Language of Fire by Stephanie Hemphill