Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Bibliography: Riggs, R. (2011). Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Quirk Books. ISBN: 978-1-59474-476-1

Plot Summary: The story follows Jacob Portman, a young man whose grandfather mysteriously dies. While out one day, discovers a hidden orphanage nearby. The orphanage houses children with very unique abilities and is run by the fabulous Miss Peregrine. Adding to its strangeness the orphanage exists in a time loop to protect its residents from monsters. Jacob soon discovers more secrets of the peculiar world and his own unique heritage. Together With the help of the children, he will face new challenges and dangers.

Critical Analysis: Riggs use of language creates a vivid imagery throughout the book, phrases such as "I could see tongues of dense fog licking over the ridge in the distance" (101) and "the violence inside was almost cartoonish, like the work of some mad impressionist who painted only in red" (200). Word choice was not overly simple, but more difficult words could be interpreted using context clues. The story and characters are well developed, and readers can find themselves drawn into the story and empathizing with the characters. Throughout each chapter, Riggs includes actual photos that have been incorporated into the story, which helps make the fantasy world more real. The book is filled with mystery and intrigue that keep the reader turning the pages.

Reviews: 
Goodreads.com: "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."

Commonsensemedia.org: "This New York Times bestseller is unique, intriguing, and teens will find it hard to put down."

Awards:

ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2012

ALA Teen's Top Ten, 2012

Connections: Riggs use of language creates a vivid imagery throughout the book 

(borrowed from TeachingBooks.net)

   In a middle or high school English class, have Students document cultural representation in the text with venn diagrams and guided reflection prompts that encourage them to consider the familiar and unfamiliar from their reading.

     In a high school Geography class, ask students to select an actual island in the world to research and then share their research through photos with the class. Make sure no two students select the same island.





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