Mary Mapes Dodge

Born in New York City in 1831, she became one of the most influential writers for young readers in her time. She wrote poems, stories, essays, and novels, and her best-known book, Hans Brinker; or, The Silver Skates, became a classic of children's literature.

She was also widely admired as the editor of St. Nicholas Magazine, a major American children's magazine that published work for decades under her leadership. In that role, she helped set a high standard for writing for children and encouraged a love of reading in generations of young readers.

Her career joined literary success with editorial vision, and her reputation lasted well beyond her lifetime. She died in 1905, but she is still remembered for both her own books and her lasting influence on children's publishing.