Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates

In this classic book that takes place in Holland in the mid-1800s, Hans Brinker, age 15, and his sister, Gretel, age 12, yearn to participate in the ice skating race on the canal. But living in poverty, they only have homemade wooden skates. Although there are great elements of suspense and even mystery, the action is much more mild and slow paced than most modern fiction today, and the story stops from time to time as it launches into the interesting description and history of Holland. Serious readers who are interested in learning about cultures, geography, and history, and who view this book as part fiction and part nonfiction, will enjoy the colorful and beautifully written portrait of early 19th-century Dutch life, as well as a tale of youthful honor and love for family. Please note that there are a few violent descriptions in this book.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)