Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Book Summary

by Ransom Riggs212

TL;DR

A boy named Jacob uncovers a hidden world of peculiar children with extraordinary abilities, revealing a spine-tingling mystery intertwined with haunting vintage photographs.

Cover of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Book Summary

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What is Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children about

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is a fantastical adventure that begins with a horrific family tragedy, leading sixteen-year-old Jacob to a deserted island off the coast of Wales. There he discovers the remnants of Miss Peregrine's orphanage, a place that once housed children with peculiar abilities. As Jacob delves deeper, he learns these children were not just peculiar but also dangerous, possibly quarantined for a significant reason. The narrative is woven with eerie vintage photographs, enhancing the mysterious and thrilling atmosphere of the story. This novel appeals to both teens and adults, blending elements of suspense, fantasy, and historical fiction.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 7 Key Takeaways

Jacob's Family Tragedy

The story opens with a traumatic family event that propels Jacob to investigate the mysterious past of his grandfather, leading him to the remote island.

Discovery of the Orphanage

Jacob uncovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. His exploration reveals the past lives of the remarkable children who once lived there.

Meeting the Peculiar Children

Jacob meets the peculiar children who possess extraordinary abilities, learning about their unique powers and the dangers they face.

Unveiling the Danger

Jacob realizes the children were quarantined for a reason and that their existence is threatened by dark forces.

Time Loop Revelation

Jacob discovers that the children live in a time loop created by Miss Peregrine to protect them from the malevolent creatures hunting them.

Climactic Battle

A tense battle ensues as Jacob and the peculiar children confront the dark forces, striving to secure their safety and future.

New Understanding

Jacob gains a deeper understanding of his grandfather's past and his connection to the peculiar children, reaffirming his resolve to protect them.

Top Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Quotes

  • “I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life, but my life was never ordinary. I had simply failed to notice how extraordinary it was.”
  • “We cling to our fairy tales until the price for believing in them becomes too high.”
  • “Sometimes you have to embrace the impossible to discover what is possible.”

Who should read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children?

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is ideal for readers aged 13 and up who enjoy a mix of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction. It appeals to those who appreciate eerie storytelling interlaced with unique visual elements, and to anyone looking for an adventure in the shadows.

About the Author

Ransom Riggs is an American author known for his unique storytelling that blends fiction with vintage photography. He is a graduate of Kenyon College and the University of Southern California's School of Cinema-Television. Riggs' debut novel, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a successful film directed by Tim Burton. His works are celebrated for their imaginative plots, richly developed characters, and eerie, atmospheric settings.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Best Reviews

  • “A tense, moving, and wondrously strange first novel. The photographs and text work together brilliantly to create an unforgettable story.”—John Green, New York Times best-selling author of The Fault in Our Stars
  • “With its X-Men: First Class-meets-time-travel story line, David Lynchian imagery, and rich, eerie detail, it’s no wonder Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has been snapped up by Twentieth Century Fox. B+”—Entertainment Weekly
  • “‘Peculiar’ doesn’t even begin to cover it. Riggs’ chilling, wondrous novel is already headed to the movies.”—People

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children FAQs

What age is Miss Peregrine book appropriate for?

The book is recommended for readers aged 13 and up, with a Lexile measure of 890L and suitable for grade levels 8 and up.

Were Emma and Abe in love?

Yes, Emma had a romantic relationship with Abraham (Abe), which continued even after he went to war. However, Abraham eventually ceased communication and married another woman.

Do you need to read Miss Peregrine books in order?

While Miss Peregrine's Museum of Wonders can be read separately, it is recommended to read the main series in order to fully understand the story and character development.