We apologize, but this author presentation has been cancelled. We hope we can reschedule. Mary Beth Gajda’s book is available to check out at the library. Thank you.
Join Author Mary Beth Gajda’s children’s book reading, The Jingle Dress, and discussion of Apsaalooke traditions.
Horses, Heart, and the High Plains!
The Apsaalooke (Crow) culture comes alive as twelve-year-old Christina learns valuable life lessons -about faith, perseverance, tradition, and family bonds.
Christina, a member of the Apsáalooke tribe, has just had her twelfth birthday. As a present, her father gives her a beautiful buckskin horse, and her grandmother promises to help Christina make her jingle dress. All seems to be going well until an accident disrupts the plan to ride her horse in the Crow Fair. Christina learns that even the best-laid plans sometimes fail. But with the guidance of her grandparents, she finds the answers she seeks.
About Mary Beth Gajda
Hello! I’m excited to bring you my first children’s book, “The Jingle Dress.”
As an educator, I am aware of the tremendous value that well-written books bring to children. Not only can books educate and inspire, but the enjoyment that comes from reading is instrumental in setting a child up for lifelong success.
I write books that I hope will engage and inspire the reader, with uplifting, positive life lessons. Books that a parent can be comfortable with, knowing there will not be content that is negative or inappropriate for young minds.
While on the journey of writing and illustrating “The Jingle Dress”. I have spent many hours researching the facts in the book, as well as having lived on the Crow reservation to observe Native customs. So, although the story itself is fiction, the setting and historical information in the book are accurate.
And with that, I wish you happy reading, and Biilaalaakuua (Blessings in Crow language).
Praise for The Jingle Dress
“The Jingle Dress” is a heartwarming tribute to Native American heritage, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Gajda ‘s prose is graceful and accessible, perfect for young readers, yet rich with emotional layers that adults will appreciate. The vivid depictions of tribal life, the sacredness of the jingle dress, and the loving portrayal of multigenerational support make this a meaningful and memorable read.” –City of Books
“The Jingle Dress” by Mary Beth Gajda is a tender, inspiring story that not only uplifts the beauty of Native traditions but also reminds readers that setbacks can become stepping stones to deeper understanding. Christina’s journey is one of hope, courage, and cultural pride – making this book a meaningful read for families, classrooms, and anyone who values stories that honor heritage while speaking to the universal human spirit. It is a must read for young readers and adults alike who believe in the power of tradition, love, and perseverance. – Olympus Story House Publishing
