Everyone in their lifetime should meet someone as nice as Hans Brinker. Hans gives up everything to help others. He puts their needs before his own. Will his kindness he is rewarded? Can you imagine skating on wooden skates because you're so poor and then being continuously taunted for it? What would do if you earned some money and you had the opportunity to buy a new pair of skates that just might help you win a skating race where the prize was a brand new pair of silver skates? Would you use the money for the new skates or would you use it to pay for a doctor for your injured father? Of course, Hans unselfishly uses it for the doctor. Han's kindness unleashes a whole chain of wonderful events. Bruce Coville has wonderfully captured the essence of the original, somewhat lengthy story in this beautifully illustrated picture book.

Recommended by A.J. Smith Elementary School