The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Farmer, N. (2002).  The House of the Scorpion. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN 0689852223 

 

Plot Summary 

Matt is a clone of a 148-year-old drug kingpin, El Patron, who will use his organs as needed in the near future.  Matt, not aware of this is raised by a cook until he is recognized outside by El Patron's great grandson who essentially imprisons him in the mansion.  This abuse is discovered by El Patron who orders everyone to treat Matt with respect.  When he discovers that he is a clone at thirteen, Matt responds with denial, not believing that El Patron would be so accommodating if he simply planned on killing him.  Soon though, El Patron has a heart attack, and needs Matt's organs in order to survive.

Critical Evaluation 

This book is set in a dystopian future where there is a country called Opium that exists along the now-border of the United States and Mexico.  The science fiction setting and elements belie this desperate search for identity.  Matt thinks that he is his own person, only to discover he is a clone.  With this knowledge, he has to determine the worth of his own life in his own eyes and in El Patron's.  It is hard for him to reconcile that another person only sees him as a collection of parts, and as Matt learns of El Patron's intentions he pours himself into his piano playing, attempting to prove his worth to himself subconsciously through his artistry.

Reader's Annotation 

Finding out he is a clone to be harvested for organs, Matt must determine who he really is and who he is meant to be.

Author Information 

Nancy Farmer was born in 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona.  By the time she entered first grade she was able to read at an eighth grade level thanks to her older sister's tutelage.  She had dyslexia, though, undiagnosable at the time.  She was not able to skip grades like her siblings, so she became bored with school easily, skipping class frequently.  She worked at her parents hotel at the front desk from when she was nine, and would read books and magazines left behind by guests.

After attending college in Oregon, Farmer went on a Peace Corps mission to India, returned to study at Berkeley, only to leave a work in Mozambique.  Here, around the age of 40, is when she began to write.  Currently, she lives in Menlo Park, California with her husband and son.  She has won the National Book Award and the Newberry Honor.

Genre 

Science fiction

Curriculum Ties 

Reading and Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas 

As Matt, discuss his feelings of identity and purpose as he figures out he is a clone for the first time.

Reading Level/Interest Age 

This book ranks a 660L on the Lexile Range.  It would be suitable for ages 15-18, and an interest in science fiction is not necessary.

Challenge Issues 

This book deals with drug use and trafficking, social class systems, and violence.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.

Reason Selected

This book honestly spoke to me because of the medals lining the cover.  Once I opened it up, I found an engaging story I couldn't put down.

The House of the Scorpion also won the National Book Award, Printz Award, and Newberry Honor amongst many others.

References 

Bio. (n.d.). Nancy Farner. Retrieved April, 24 2013 from http://www.nancyfarmerwebsite.com/bio.html