While camping and exploring the remote canyons of southern Utah, fifteen-year-old Mira responds to their beauty and spiritual mystery and makes some surprising discoveries about herself. “Rostkowski’s romantic plot is nicely entwined with the story of a young woman’s growing awareness of self and of her connections to the archetypal feminine images she sees in the ancient art. Combining adventure, discovery, and first love, this well-written novel can serve as an excellent bridge between YA romance and mainstream adult fiction.” —Booklist
Margaret I. Rostkowski was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, and the University of Kansas. She is now a high-school teacher in Ogden, Utah. "I find that my students are deeply interested in the issues of war and peace and duty to country and where one finds true heroism," she writes. "This book grew out of those questions, many of which I haven't yet answered for myself."
After the Dancing Days won first place in the young-adult category (1983) and was awarded the publication prize (1985) in the Utah Original Writing Competition.
Ms. Rostkowski lives with her husband and son in Ogden, Utah.