Hans Brinker is a character from the book 'Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates' by Mary Mapes Dodge. The book was first published in 1865 and tells the story of two Dutch children, Hans and Gretel, who live in a small Dutch village. Hans is a brave and determined boy who is determined to win a pair of silver skates in a local race. The book has become a classic and is still widely read today.