Summary Of The Novel 'Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children'

Jacob Portman goes through the hero’s journey in the novel Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs. In the book Jacob is on a mission to find out more about his grandfather, Abe Portman. For years Abe tells Jacob about Abe’s extraordinary life before World War two, during World War two, and after World War two. Until suddenly Abe is killed, leaving Jacob to find out the truth. While Jacob is on a mission to find out the truth, he also becomes a hero by going through the hero cycle.
Before Jacob discovers all the new and fascinating secrets about his life, he has an unusual childhood. Jacob grows up with his grandfather telling him stories about how Abe was separated from his family, lived in an orphan house, and about the

His grandfather is dying in the woods from a so called ‘monster’ that Jacob claims to be true. But little does Jacob know what is about to happen next. He is about to get a call to adventure. Before Abe dies he tells Jacob about hints and clues to his childhood. He tells Jacob to “Find the bird. In the loop. On the other side of the old man’s grave. September third, 1940. Emerson-the letter. Tell them what happened, Yacob [Jacob]”(Riggs 37). Jacob must fulfill his grandfather’s last words by going to the island of Cairnholm, with permission of his psychiatrist, Dr.Golan. The island of Cairnholm is where Abe went to be safe from the monsters during the war. Jacob realizes what he must do when he finally understands what Abe wanted him to do, “He wanted [Jacob] to go to the island and find this woman, his old headmistress.”(Riggs 60). So, that is exactly what Jacob does, which proves his character is becoming more mature and grown

She watches over Jacob to make sure he is safe. Miss Peregrine is able to keep him safe because she is a ymbryne. In other words people who are able to manipulate time. Though “only birds can manipulate time. Therefore, all time manipulators must be able to take the form of a bird.”(Riggs 155). Miss. Peregrine’s ability to change to the form of a bird is the reason she does not die in the end, but instead is stuck in the shape of a bird. She also teaches him about his powers, being able to see the monsters, and gives him advice about whether to go back home with his father and always having to look behind his back (in fright of the wights and hollows) or staying with the peculiar children and leave the life he knew behind