Posted by Button, Tyler. A Flower in a Field of Lions: The Trials of Joan of Arc. Tapestry Comics, 2018. 150p. ISBN: 9780986132865. $19.95 MS HS H/L ***
A Flower in a Field of Lions is a historical graphic novel that follows Joan of Arc as she is put on trial by the Catholic Church. As the trial proceeds, Joan relates her calling by Saints, convincing the rightful King of France to support her, and military strategies. The author does no take much license with the historical aspects of the story and the illustrations carry much of the plot. The story seems to be as rooted in historical fact as possible while lending only the necessary amount of storytelling to weave the non-linear story together. Illustrations are consistent, well colored, and portray action and period specific violence. The rating on the back cover, “Rated TEEN+ for historically significant violence and salty language” is accurate, making the book accessible to those studying the Medieval period and up. This is a must-have for middle school libraries and those seeking historical graphic novels.
Jessica Lundin, San Jose Public Library
Bay Area Young Adult Librarians 