Rostkowski combines heroism, war, and love in this chapter book for children. The story is almost always set in a hospital, where Annie Metcalf, the main character, learns to confront Andrew, a bitter young veteran whos face yielded terror in many people. Annie soon opens her heart to this man, and yet must face her mother, who shows immense prejudice to Andrew. This book was repetitious, though. There was actually no real "movement" of the plot

After the Dancing Days is a fantastic book. It is about friendship and how you should not judge people by their appearence. This book is also full of drama. Ther is also a mystery to the story. After the DAncing Dsys is filled with some facts about the war. I would recomend this book to girls seven to fourteen. I dont think boys would like it. It is more a book for girls. I would also recomend it to people who like mystery books and friendship and drama all in one. It is definatlly a page turner. At some parts i coulnt put it down didnt want to read. Usually i was glued to the page. I could have read it in one day because of the fact that you want to know what happends next but the author just leaves you hanging therefor you have to turn the page and start a new chapter. THe characters are those of who you can relate to. Annie is the main character. You will also read about uncle Paul, Grandmother and grandfather, father, mother, and Andrew the wounded soldier. Annie befriends Andrew and looks past his wounds. I liked Annie alot, she was very realistic and in a way she was a hero to Andrew. Annies mother was my least favorite character. She judges people on how they look. i did not like her actions or the way she thinks. but every book has one of those characters. Although i went on about how great the book is it does have its weaknesses. It is kindof hard to get into because the begining is really slow. but it speeds up and becomes very exciting.

This remarkable story is one that touches the heart and soul. It's too good to miss, and once you start it you just won't be able stop flipping the pages. After The Dancing Days puts you in the place of a young girl named Annie, after World War II. When her father comes home from fighting he decides to work at a Catholic hospital called St. John's for injured and wounded soldiers. Annie finally gets the confidence up to go and look at the different faces of those poor men who have been so hurt. She realizes that helping these men is her calling and she falls in love with a very wounded veteran named Andrew. She discovers much about her beloved uncle who had died in the war. She also reveals herself as she grows up and learns much about life.
Margaret Rostkowski does a magnificent job by catching the grip and heart of the reader in this inspirational story. Her usage of words and the language in which she writes is breathtaking. One sentence that really captured my eye was, "The notes had no distinct note, but blended together and poured over father and me, as we sat in the evening light." I just loved the graceful flow of words, they really jumped out and spoke to me. I got very involved and almost "connected" with the characters in this story. I even found myself shedding a few tears as it ended. It's one of those novels that you just can't put down, and all of a sudden you realize that you flip the page, and nothing's there...You've already finished it! This book is simply too good to miss, very moving, and one that I could read a million times over.

This was an excellent book! I highly reccomend it to anyone! The plot was pretty good, and the characters were well developed. You could really relate to the main character. The only downfall I think for some people was that not many people are interested in the subject matter, which is history and archeaology (sp?). It was, however, very interesting and enjoyable. If you haven't read this book yet, I suggest that you do!