5stars Sixteen-year-old Jacob had an interesting grandfather. Had, because one night, in the woods behind his home, something strange killed the older man. Jacob is now going to Wales in search of the orphanage his grandfather grew up. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children could be any... more

5stars Sixteen-year-old Jacob had an interesting grandfather. Had, because one night, in the woods behind his home, something strange killed the older man. Jacob is now going to Wales in search of the orphanage his grandfather grew up. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children could be anywhere, or nowhere in Wales, yet Jacob has only known what his grandfather has told him. These children have been isolated on the once deserted island because society deemed them a danger, but never revealed to whom. Just what Jacob will do if he finds the orphanage? Jacob has no idea. He wants answers. Who killed his grandfather? Or, what killed him? This book is eerie from the beginning, before reading one word. The photographs on the front and back cover, plus the ones inside the book, are more than pictures of circus freaks. They are sometimes difficult photographs to look at, while some are merely strange. None is funny. The story is another paranormal, but without vampires and werewolves. This one is so different, you will be clinging to the pages as you turn them quickly so as not to miss a word. At times, this reminds me of Stephen King's version of Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes not only in the freakish characters but also in the tightness of the writing. Not one word is wasted. I waited a long time to get my copy of Miss Peregrine and it was worth the wait. If there is an older kid, or teen, who has not already read this imaginative work of fiction, this book would make a great gift. While it is a strange, or rather, a peculiar story, it does not scare in a way that will cause any nightmares. The story is a cut above the usual middle grade book and some kids may not be ready for this yet. Those that are, will enjoy the storyline, the characters, and the oddness that Mr. Riggs has brought to the pages. If you like mysteries with a bit of absurdity (the photographs, each fitting into the story), Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is the story for you. I was not disappointed and neither will you. This is sure to make to top list for 2011. note: received from publisher