Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children

What Our Readers Are Saying

Share your thoughts on this title!

Average customer rating 4.7 (42 comments)

---

`

I'm sure that everyone who sees the cover of the book thinks that this is going to be some sort of horror story. This story is really a fictional, historical thriller that can be very creepy at times, with a hint of fantasy. I know that's a mouthful, but that is the best way I can describe this story without giving anything away. Other than the fact that there is time travel. And romance. And creepy photos. And very weird monsters. Oh, and an old house run by a "peculiar" woman who can shapeshift into a bird. I highly recommend this book, and its sequel! (Personally, I thought the sequel was better than the first!)

`

What do you have when you have a class full of high school freshmen eager to hear what happens next? You have Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I've been teaching for 25 years, and for the first time in a long time, my students read ahead of their assignment. They were ARGUING over who got to check out the sequel, Hollow City. Miss Peregrine's has all that kids love--action, foul words, romance, comedy, and to top it off, awesome vintage photos. The kids were on the edge of their seats, anticipating the next thrilling part of the novel. I enjoyed it as well, and I recommend it for teachers who want to get their students engaged in a challenging novel with built-in excitement.

`

Jacob’s grandfather told wonderful scary stories, of monsters pursuing peculiar children, a secret school where a child who was “different” could be safe, and a mysterious world of magical powers. Young Jacob loved to listen to him until, of course, he grew out of such childish things. But Jacob’s grandfather had a secret, hidden in these tales, and the older boy is filled with compassion and love as he learns this dark history. Then the grandfather dies. A wonderful story of real-world grief becomes something more, and more haunting, as Jacob heads with his father to an isolated island off the coast of Wales. The scenery, characters and voices are vividly described, and a lonely walk through bogs and fog leads the teen protagonist to some startling surprises. Blending history, mystery, science fiction, and good old-fashioned story-telling, Miss Peregrine takes readers to a world just slightly offset from our own. Filled with great characters, intriguing photographs (which add to, but really aren’t essential to the tale), and genuine dilemmas, this novel combines the real-world depth of the Book Thief with the fantasy of Harry Potter and offers a truly unique, enjoyably thought-provoking, and enticingly original reading experience for teens of all ages. Disclosure: I waited for the paperback and got it for my birthday.

`

I found this book to be a surprisingly pleasant journey into the unknown realms of our own world. Fans of fringe science, creepy photographs, and paranormal mysteries will no doubt enjoy this book immensely, but I'd also recommend it to those who like YA fantasy or adventure, since this book doesn't necessarily look it on the cover. If you're looking for a book that's a little unique, or dare I say peculiar, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is an edge-of-your-seat story that will have you questioning what you know to be real, what is possible, and what might be lurking just out of view.

`

A "young adult" novel that will captivate adults, illustrated with unsettling, old-time photos.

`

I had no idea this would be a story book with pictures - I haven't read one of those in so long! And the fascinating part to me is the pictures are real, taken from different collectors the author has connected with over time. The story is interesting, with a little bit of fantasy, mystery, and enough character development to garner your care for what happens to them. It had a feel of "young adult" fiction, which I've grown past in my years, however I don't mind that so much as long as it's not soaking with melodrama throughout. The end is very open, as if for a sequel, yet not a complete cliffhanger. I appreciated this because I hadn't heard if this would be a multi-parter, and cliffhangers without resolve are infinitely frustrating. (since then I found out it is indeed going to at least have a sequel, yay!) All in all, while I didn't read a whole bunch last year, I would say this was the best book I read in 2012.

`

The best part of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is the authentic old photographs. Ransom Riggs creating a story that connects all of the odd photos and odd people in the photos is brilliant. That said, I thought the story was good, but not great. It was tense and scary, but also dragged in parts. The children from the Home were very one dimensional, but the protagonist was a realistic, confused teen on a quest to keep a promise made to his beloved grandfather. I liked how the reader doesn't know until well into the book if it is going to be a ghost story, fantasy or suspense thriller, but the ending was contrived and obviously set up for a sequel.

`

I just could not believe how well this book was written for being the author's first novel. This book is exciting and worth reading. I could not put it down for more than a few hours at a time. it really engages the reader in a way that enhances the whole story and brings it to life, making feel as if it really happened.

`

Because of its creative use of pictures and text, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a unique and entertaining story. The queerness of the children juxtaposed with the photographs made the leap of faith unnoticable. Highly recommended for prolific fantasy readers over 10.

`

This was one of the best books I read throughout 2012. Full of surprises and interesting characters to keep you entertained.

`

Brilliant and bizarre! I can't wait for the sequel!

`

The YA Fantasy genre has exploded since JK Rowling came to town. Still, I love a fantastic tale as much as the next reader, or maybe more. It is true escapism. This one manages to be heartfelt and sincere and has a wonderful time travel angle, plus an evil doctor, a portal to another world, fabulous and frightful enemies and some layers left unexplored for next time. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

`

It was very interesting and kept me intrigued. It also has some very creepy pictures.

`

Have you ever seen an odd old photo in an antique store and tried to create a story behind the image? Miss Peregrin's Home for Peculiar Children is the result of Ransom Riggs taking dozens of odd antique photos and creating an entire novel that explains each image and actually connects all the photos together in a narrative. The story revolves around a group of children, each with a different supernatural power, living in a sort of time warp under the care of Miss Peregrin. The story centers around a young boy who discovers that he is meant to leave his existing life and time and join the other children. His struggle to reconcile his true nature with his "normal" life plays out against an attack on the children and their home. The story is fast paced, a little scary, and fairly gritty, given the subject matter. An engaging book that ends with the promise of a sequel.

`

Riggs used actual photographs to build story of strange children locked in an odd time loop. A sequel and movie are forthcoming, and I am excited!

`

A very Peculiar book indeed! A novel with photographs. This book is soon to be a movie. A young man hears scary tales from his grandfather, who later died a mysterious death and leaves his grandson a trail of clues to follow to an island where the grandfather grew up in an orphanage. What follows is a fantastic tale of Miss Peregrine's orphans and the world in which they live. A young adult book that will entertain adults as well.

`

This book offers a little bit of everything, and it's handled most gracefully. (Time travel can be so hard to write about.) Eagerly awaiting the sequel!

`

An exceptional story that dips into fantasy, sci-fi, history, travel (both time and familiar)and of course some very peculiar children. The story line is held together securely with a series of "found pictures" illustrating (and verifying) the title.

`

This young adult novel is indeed peculiar. The photographs are unusual and it is hard to imagine the stories behind them. In fact, the pictures used in the book are actual, authentic photos, borrowed from collectors. Credits for the photos and owners are listed at the back of the book, along with other acknowledgements. The novel uses the photos to tell a story that links the photos, and supposed history behind them. It involves a mysterious island and the school of orphaned children who lived there. Before suddenly and tragically passing away, teenaged Jacob’s grandfather told a story to Jacob. This sends Jacob on a mission for answers to explain his grandfather’s story and death. Jacob is determined to understand his grandfather’s part in this mystery, the photos, and the unusual death. As he gets to the island off the coast of Wales, Jacob finds the mystery far more complex and dangerous than he could have imagines. Peculiar is putting it mildly. The more Jacob searches for answers, the more questions he becomes immersed in. Fact and fantasy intermingle, and he is unsure where one ends and one begins. His sanity is questioned by others, and himself, as well. His safety is threatened as a consequence. This young adult novel will appeal to adults as well. It is a well written, haunting, adventurous fantasy novel. The photographs will amaze and entice you, as each plays a part in this fascinating story.

`

This is one the the few books that, not only did I enjoy, but was sorry to reach the last page. It is the haunting story of a group of children who live the same day over and over. Because of their "peculiar" talents - one floats like a balloon, another has a swarm of bees living inside him - they are ill equipped to live in the real world. When a visitor from that real world invades their lives, their future is in question. I loved the setting - a wild island in England - the characters - each one is unique - and the story itself. I'm looking forward to a sequal.

`

The starting point for this novel (late 19th/early 20th century photos of children in early examples of special effects) provided an unusual basis for an entertaining story. The children are real, even if others don't believe it, and they use that to go on their adventures. And a good lesson for younger readers - even people who are "different" can achieve great things.

`

I loved this book for many reasons. It was unique in the fact that it wove amazing old photographs into the story, and it had such a beautiful element of magic! The story was so interesting that I could barely put it down. The main character, Jacob, was a good, personable character that goes to a mysterious island near england. He is trying to find out about his grandfather's past, who recently died, and must solve the mystery of his last words. The island is enchanting and seems like a perfect secluded spot. The time that the author took to talk about the past and the reasons for everything makes the story even more magical. I loved every character in this book with their strange gifts and pictures! It's a beautiful story, and I hope that there will be a sequel.

`

A fun and interesting read. The pictures are weaved seamlessly into the story in a very unique and engaging way. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a little mystery with a bit of "lost" history.

`

I really enjoyed the expirimentation in medium in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. The use of authentic vintage photographs made it feel like I was sorting through the documents in someone's attic. The story would have been entertaining without the photgraphs, but with them, it was a thoroughly memorable and interesting read.

`

The first element that drew me to this book was the old photo on the cover of a little girl levitating a few inches above the ground. In fact,there were a large number of vintage photographs throughout the book whose subjects and/or scenes were definitely peculiar. What was amazing was how the author, Ransom Riggs, was able to create a suspenseful, evocative, and engrossing story that incorporated all those photos - seemingly unrelated, at first glance - into a cohesive tale that grabs the reader's interest from the first page and doesn't let go until the final sentence. Full of twists and surprises, the story leads us not only through the puzzling, seemingly abandoned old Home for Peculiar Children, but through the lives and unique abilities of the young hero who explores it, the headmistress (who is pretty peculiar herself) and the peculiar and amazing children who once lived there. Or do they live there still? Very entertaining!

`

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is definitely one of the best books I've read lately. It is quirky and successfully tells a tale using photos gathered by the author (and cohorts) or taken by them. It isn't often that someone will experiment with a style of telling and Ransom Riggs did it most successfully. It can be a little confusing as to just what the heck is going on but it all works itself out to what I hope is a lead in for a second book. I would definitely love to read more and I'm so glad I bought this book on impulse.

`

This is one of the most original books I have ever read. The story line is wonderful and the character development is superb. After finding a number of very old pictures,the author - Ransom Riggs - wove a story around the old photographs. Adding the photos to the book was a stroke of genius. This is an author whose creative ability far outweighs that of most others. He is not only a great writer and narrator, he takes it one step further and creates a novel that no one else has aspired to. This novel is the embodiment of originality.

`

This is definitely my best read for 2011. Simultaneously charming and thrilling, it is suitable for older children and adults alike. The characters are made all the more vivid by the vintage photos with a twist that are generously sprinkled throughout the book and they sync up perfectly with the story. There is never any doubt which photo goes with which passage in the book. I eagerly await the sequel.

`

A wonderful tale weaved by a very talented author. This unique story kept me engaged throughout and the pictures added a whole new depth to the storyline. Highly recommended! Can't wait for his next book.

`

Mysterious. Thrilling. Enthralling. Informative - finally, we know where those strange, ethereal photos of Victorian children in spiritual, ghostly poses come from and why. It's one of those books that you begin reading, get into slowly, and suddenly find yourself quite unable to put it down. Questions answered and unanswered questions; conundrums posed and spun and finally explained or left to nibble at us. All this and war on the horizon, love approaching obliquely. I adored this book.

`

I thought it was a very interesting story. It was a bit creepy. But the characters were charming and it was an original story.

`

Loved, loved, loved this book! I want more!

`

After the death of his beloved grandfather, a heartbroken young boy finds a box of odd photos which lead to discovering of a family secret.

`

I could not put this book down! Poor Jacob caught between the stories of his grandfather and the disfunction of his family. It makes me wonder what choice I would have made in his situation. For those loving science fiction, this one will quench your thirst.

`

What an imaginative book. I love how the author used the inspiration of vintage photos to create the mystique around the characters. A wonderful fantastical tale!

`

What a GREAT book! Without being too sappy, this book is sweet and charming. Jacob witnesses his Grandfather's death and from his last words goes on a journey to find what those words meant. On this journey, he meets Miss Peregrine and her wards - the paculiar children and adventure awaits. The use of old photographs throughout the book is amazing - each one depicted in the story. I've never seen anything done like this. A great book for readers of any age - one not to be missed.

`

Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews. A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow�"impossible though it seems�"they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows. (Synopsis provided by goodreads) This is a perfect book for Halloween. The story itself isn't scary per-say, but the pictures that the book is chalk-full of are very creepy in an odd eerie sort of way. The story was very original, the characters were fun and unique. It's a hard one to review and not giveaway anything. This is a book where literally anything is possible. I do wish that grandpa was in the book himself, not just spoken about, but there are obvious reasons why this can't be. I liked Enoch's character and the character of Emma. Emma was really sweet but she also had a very suspious side to her, she wasn't very trusting. The stories that Grandpa tells are set when he was a child during WWII. He speaks of "monsters" which has a dual meaning of monsters and in my opinion the Nazi regime, as we learn about Grandpa and some of the other children being Jewish. I thought it was a nice touch to have this little historical theme within the book. All in all I liked the book and I think most people would like it, the pictures really added to the book. It's a fairly fast read and well worth it. * Reading level: Ages 13 and up * Hardcover: 352 pages * Publisher: Quirk Books; Book Club edition (June 7, 2011) * ISBN-10: 1594744769 * Author: Ransom Riggs * Cover art: I like it very creepy. * Overall rating: **** out of 5 stars * Obtained: My personal bookshelf.

`

Not entirely successful but at least a young adult novel with some depth. The author maintained my interest for the first half but I thought the remainder of the book let me down, especially the conclusion. Why can't people come up with decent endings? Oh, well...

`

It's been ages since I've been so excited while reading a book. I keep having to put it down because it gets so intensely exciting that I can barely handle the suspense! I am savoring every moment of it, and am sad that I am almost to the last couple pages. The only down side to the book is that it will end. The photos throughout the book add to the spookiness of the story. I started reading it to my family on a trip to Disneyland and they (ages 20-75) didn't want me to put it down either, I had to when I started losing my voice! I hope Riggs writes more exciting fiction for me to read!

`

Miss Peregrine had quite a few peculiar children in her home. I especially enjoyed how the author used the pictures to illustrate the unique abilities the characters had. The story was enjoyable but the peculiar children were more interesting. It was a fun read!

`

I originally took a peek at this book because the author and I have the same last name, but had no idea that once I started reading this book, I would be transformed from my living room to a place off the coast of Wales, present and past. No vampires or zombies, but something worse that has a taste for the elusive peculiar people on this earth and when they aren't available, a few sheep or commoners will do. I read this all in one afternoon/evening, unable to put it down. The characters are three dimensional and when they ran, you egged them on to run faster...the monsters, well just be sure to check your doctor's, dentist's, bus driver, etc. credentials before you start becoming acquainted with them, and you might even question whether you are a commoner or a person with a peculiar gift.

`

This is the most delightful, enchanting, and hard to put down book I have come across since I finished the Harry Potter series! One of those books I read on the bus, and even while walking up quiet residential streets. I could not put it down while walking from point A to point B (except to check traffic when crossing streets of course). The photographs mesh perfectly with the story line. The pictures themselves are great examples of trick photography used before the digital age (or is that girl on the cover REALLY hovering a few inches off the ground?)