Mary Mapes Dodge

Born in New York City in 1831, she became one of the most influential figures in nineteenth-century children's literature. Encyclopaedia Britannica describes her as an American author of children's books and the first editor of St. Nicholas magazine, while other reliable reference sources also note that she is best remembered for Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates.

Her writing reached a wide audience, but her editorial work may have had an even bigger impact. As editor of St. Nicholas for more than 30 years, she helped turn it into a hugely successful magazine for young readers and published work by many major literary names.

She died in 1905, but her place in children's literature has lasted. Remembered as both a storyteller and a gifted editor, she helped define what smart, lively writing for young people could be.