Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates Author:Mary Mapes Dodge In a wonderland of frozen canals and water roads, where even the noblest citizens travel along the glistening ice trail, the year's most glorious event is about to take place - an open race to win the magnificent Silver Skates. Yet Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel have no hope of competing. True, both children are strong and fast; loving and h... more »ard-working. But the Brinkers are desperately poor, friendless, Father crippled by a near-fatal head injury, Mother and the children struggling bravely to survive each day. Wearing only hand-carved wood skates, Hans and Gretel can't possibly match the rich kids who glide past on fine steel blades...But sometimes...Sometimes loyalty and kindness are noticed; faith and love are rewarded; good hearts and good people are given a chance - and sometimes even miracles do happen...« less