Hans Brinker and 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 loyalty and kindness are noticed; faith and love are rewarded; good hearts and good people are given a chance- and sometimes miracles DO happen!« less