Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- family loyalty
- poverty and resilience
- honesty and integrity
- dreams and ambition
- community and generosity
- sportsmanship
- sacrifice
About this book
Set in the Netherlands, this classic follows Hans and his sister Gretel as they work hard to support their struggling family and dream of winning a skating race on the frozen canals. Rich details of Dutch life, winter sports, and community traditions bring the setting to life. Readers are drawn to the siblings’ determination, kindness, and integrity as they face challenges with courage. A timeless story for strong elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy heart, history, and hope.
Setting: 19th-century Netherlands, along frozen canals and village streets near Amsterdam and Haarlem
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates right for my child?
Yes — Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include perseverance, family loyalty, poverty and resilience.
How long does it take to read Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates takes around 9.3h to finish. The book has 98,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates has an AR quiz available, worth 13 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates?
Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates has an AR reading level of 7.2, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.