Sixteen-year-old Joan Larousse has a lot on her mind. She knows she is lucky to live on a big estate with her parents, two caretakers and a parrot named Victor, Joan loves the woods and a cave becomes her "church". Joan's life is generally busy and happy. With her French tutor, Joan explores existentialism and consciousness, debate and speaking your truth, patience and love. As Joan chooses a date for the prom and enjoys her first kiss, she also confronts personal delimnas. Her values differ from her wealthy parents, who do not understand her, and want her to change. Joan doesn't want an expensive prom dress or the Mercedes her father offers. She overhears her parents arguing; her father travels too often and her mother drinks too much.
When Joan and her friend Kristin find out there is a petition to fire their well-liked science teacher at school, they become determined to stop that from happening and becomes immersed in the complex workings of American politics. With the help of her father, Joan gains the audience of the President. Reflecting the bravery of Joan of Arc, Joan of Arkansas musters the courage to speak clearly from her heart for her cause. This story reminds us that the younger generation are our future problem solvers.