Ms. Mary Mapes Dodge (1831-1905) was an American children’s book author born in Newark, New Jersey.
According to Rowan University's published information, at the age of 28, Mapes became a widow with two young children. Determined to support her family, she began writing children’s stories, which she first read her stories to her own children. In 1865, she published “Hans Brinker”; or “The Silver Skates.”
Rowan University said the book was a huge success and is now considered a classic of children’s literature. In 1873, Dodge became the first editor of St. Nicholas Magazine, a popular 19th-century magazine for children.
The magazine published renowned authors such as Louisa May Alcott, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Mark Twain.
Information and Image Credit: njwomenshistory.org and womenshistory.org, Rowan University