Ransom Riggs

Ransom Riggs is an American author and filmmaker known for his contributions to young adult fiction and fantasy literature. Riggs began writing stories, taking photographs, and making movies at a young age, interests he continued to develop into adulthood. He studied English literature at Kenyon College and later earned a graduate degree in film from the University of Southern California, a background that informs his distinctive approach to storytelling.

After graduating from USC, Riggs attempted to enter the film festival circuit but spent much of his time writing scripts and blogging for Mental Floss. This work led to the publication of the book "The Sherlock Holmes Handbook," which was tied to the Sherlock Holmes film.

Riggs's career shifted when his interest in collecting vintage photographs inspired the concept for his debut novel. Initially conceived as a picture book, the project evolved into a narrative-driven work at the suggestion of an editor at Quirk Books. The result was "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," a contemporary fantasy novel that combines narrative with vernacular and found photography. The book appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list and was adapted into a film directed by Tim Burton and starring Eva Green.

Riggs is the author of the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children novels, a series that includes "Hollow City," "Library of Souls," the short story collection "Tales of the Peculiar," "A Map of Days," "The Conference of the Birds," and "The Desolations of Devil's Acre." The series has sold more than 10 million copies. "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," "Hollow City," and "Library of Souls" were all nominated for the Goodreads Awards for Best Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction, and both "Hollow City" and "Library of Souls" reached No. 1 on the Wall Street Journal Hardcover Fiction Best Seller list.

Expanding his work in young adult fantasy, Riggs launched a new series with "Sunderworld, Vol. 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry," which follows a Los Angeles teen navigating surreal experiences after his mother's death. The book debuted as a New York Times bestseller and received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews. The Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series was also listed on Audible's Top 100 Book Series of All Time.

Riggs's body of work spans bestselling novels, graphic novel adaptations, and a major Hollywood film adaptation. His writing is recognized for blending fantasy, young adult fiction, and visual storytelling, often exploring the extraordinary within the everyday.