Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

 

Bibliography
Riggs, Ransom, 2011. MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books. ISBN 9781594746031.

Plot Summary
When his grandfather unexpectedly dies, Jacob's life is turned upside down. He swears he saw a strange creature killing his grandfather, but no one believes him. After seeking help, it was suggested Jacob looks for answers in his grandfather's past. Reminiscing back to the "fairy tales" his grandfather told, Jacob and his father venture out to an island on Wales where his grandfather sought shelter during World War II. Recalling a strange home and unusual people from his grandfather's photos, Jacob set out to find Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. While exploring, Jacob realizes the home may have been more than a shelter for children; it's a sanctuary for strange and peculiar children with unique gifts. A home that is surprisingly still alive and running, with the exact same gifted children his grandfather grew up with.

Critical Analysis
An eerie, gothic fantasy that will be unforgettable to readers. Riggs has written about a normal, realistic world in which Jacob and his family live in. However, Jacob's grandfather threatens to burst this normal world by telling tales of his abnormal childhood during World War II. He tells Jacob about his unique friends at Miss Peregrine's and how he sought refuge at this home during the war. These unique friends have strange abilities, all caught in old photographs his grandfather keeps. Although Jacob didn't quite believe these tales at the time, he begins to believe when his grandfather is murdered by a strange monster. Seeking out Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children off an island in Wales, Jacob looks for answers about his grandfather's past. The answers he receives are mind-blowing. Not only are the children in the photograph real, they are alive and living in a loop, reliving the same day constantly, in the care of Miss Peregrine, who holds shape shifting abilities. Riggs has managed to create a believable world with supernatural, possibly dangerous characters, as the children hold unique abilities such as being invisible, bringing life to creatures, flying, etc. Riggs also includes a special treat for readers, black and white photographs of the odd characters, photos that were collected at flea markets. It only strengthens the story's believability and persuades readers to follow the suspenseful, creepy adventures of these peculiar people.

Review Excerpt(s)
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A trilogy opener both rich and strange, if heavy at the front end."
Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "It's an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Readers will find this books unique and intriguing."

Connections
- For young readers interested in reading a thrilling, unforgettable story about unique, peculiar children and their gifts. 
- Fans of fantasy stories looking for a gothic twist will be intrigued by Jacob's search for Miss Peregrine's home and the peculiar children in the home.
- Similar book recommendations:
Riggs, Ransom, 2015. HOLLOW CITY (MISS PEREGRINE'S PECULIAR CHILDREN SERIES #2). ISBN 9781594747359.
Riggs, Ransom, 2017. LIBRARY OF SOULS (MISS PEREGRINE'S PECULIAR CHILDREN SERIES #3). ISBN 9781594749315.
Roth, Veronica, 2011. DIVERGENT. ISBN 9780062024022.

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