Hans Brinker: or, the Silver Skates — Mary Mapes Dodge

A story of life in Holland.

The race is free and open to boys and girls. The prize is a pair of silver skates. Hans and his sister Gretel know they don't have a chance to win. Their old wooden skates stick to the ice, and they are too poor to buy new ones.

Then, by surprise, a friend gives them enough money for one new, wonderful pair of skates -- but only one!

The story of Hans and his sister Gretel is both the story of a family and a country.