Written in 1865, this classic has the theme of family love and devotion under stress, and 21 chapters that touch upon Dutch art, architecture, music and history. It introduces the courageous character of the Dutch people, whose struggle for civil and religious freedom is important in the history of liberty, through Hans Brinker, a poor boy whose courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity blesses his family.
Third graders love Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates—and reading it will open a whole new world to them as they study Holland. Holland has a special place in the development of our government as a temporary refuge for the Pilgrims, as a bulwark of religious toleration, and as one of the cultures that greatly impacted the United States through immigration and the formerly Dutch colonies of New York and New Jersey. Link the study of Dutch art and create special "Dutch Day” celebration described in The StoneBridge Art Guide.
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