Book Talk: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Yesterday afternoon, I put together a book talk for my historical fiction selection for LIS 6530 (Young Adult Literature). While we are only required to write a script and embed it via a PowerPoint, I like to actually record the talk as it's good practice. Hopefully you'll take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and view the video!

Synopsis (from the book's jacket): “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.”

Riggs, R. (2011). Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books.

352 pp; illustrated; $17.99 (hardcover); ISBN: 97815947461; OCLC: 664668604

Genres: historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery

Due to reading mixed reviews of this book, I was somewhat hesitant to pick it up; however, upon reading it, I found myself really getting into the story and wanting to know more about Grandpa Portman’s life. My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I think the mixed reviews could be due to the fact that this book falls into multiple genres which likely surprises (and possibly disappoints) readers when they expect to be reading a certain type of novel and elements of a science fiction, fantasy, or mystery novel pop-up.

I recommend Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children for grade 8 and up, but should add that this book could certainly entertain adult readers as well which is why it would be a great addition to any public library.

Being interested in the World War II history theme included in this book, I selected three read-alikes for you: The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, and Soldier X by Don L. Wulffson