Books with title Hans Brinker: Or the Silver Skates

Set in the Netherlands, the beautiful land of windmills, tulips, and wooden shoes, the story concerns the experiences of the impoverished Brinker family, including the thrilling race for the silver skates. The good deeds of the Brinker children, Hans and Gretel, help to restore their father's health and bring about their own good fortune. Mary Mapes Dodge also included many interesting details about Dutch family life and the history and geography of the country. Although Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates was published over 140 years ago, it continues to delight countless readers with its story of a virtuous family that inspires us all to have the courage to pursue our dreams.

Hans Brinker is a classic children's story set in the Netherlands, following the titular character as he aspires to compete in ice skating races and help his family. At the start, we discover that our young hero is responsible for his entire family's welfare, after his father was injured in an accident. Rather than be downcast by his father's poor condition, Hans is emboldened and determined to turn the family's fortunes around by competing in ice skating races. The stakes become higher as a potential but expensive cure for Hans' stricken father is revealed by the family's doctor. Today, this tale of youthful gallantry remains well-known and celebrated in the Netherlands. Its accurate details of traditional Dutch life enthralled curious readers and introduced them to a country hitherto little-known in children's literature. Virtues held highly in the Dutch culture; of both cooperation and competition, are well expressed in the hero's character and - as the story progresses - his family members. In recent years, the story of Hans Brinker has enjoyed renewed prominence from the 1960s onward as TV, film and radio adaptations were created. The author Mary Mapes Dodge, who originated from New York City, would enjoy celebrity in the Netherlands and visited the country multiple times.