Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates is a classic children's novel written by Mary Mapes Dodge. The story is set in Holland and follows the lives of two siblings, Hans and Gretel Brinker, who live in poverty with their family. Despite their struggles, Hans and Gretel are determined to find happiness and make their dreams come true.The novel centers around a skating race that takes place in the town of Broek, where the winner will receive a pair of silver skates. Hans is an excellent skater and hopes to win the race to help his family and impress a wealthy girl named Hilda van Gleck. However, Hans faces many obstacles along the way, including a dangerous fall on the ice and a conflict with a rival skater.Throughout the book, the author weaves in themes of perseverance, determination, and the importance of family. The story also explores the Dutch culture and traditions, including the famous windmills and the annual celebration of St. Nicholas' Day.Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates is a heartwarming tale that has been beloved by generations of readers. It is a timeless story that teaches valuable lessons about hard work, kindness, and the power of hope.1914. Dodge, American author of children's books and first editor of St. Nicholas magazine, wrote the classic Hans Brinker. It is the story of a poverty-stricken brother and sister in the beautiful land of windmills, tulips, and wooden shoes. An exciting story about championship skating, hunger, hardship, adventure and buried gold, it is packed with secrets, mysteries, surprises, and determination that enables him to obtain help for his sick father. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.