Mary Mapes Dodge (January 26, 1831 – August 21, 1905) was an American writer and editor of children’s books and stories. She is best known for the children’s novel, Hans Brinker.

Born Mary Elizabeth Mapes in New York City, she was he daughter of a well-to-do family and enjoyed a privileged education by private tutors that included languages, literature, music, and art.

In 1851, at age twenty, she married William Dodge, a lawyer with whom her father had business dealings. In short order, the couple had two sons. Just a few years into the marriage, Mr. Dodge was beset by financial difficulties and abandoned the family. He was found dead a month later from  an apparent drowning. Read More→