The House of the Scorpion - by Nancy Farmer (Hardcover)

About the Book

To most people around him, Matt is not a boy, but a beast. As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by sinister characters.

Book Synopsis

Discover this internationally bestselling, National Book Award-winning young adult classic about what it means to be human with an updated, reimagined cover!

Matt Alacrán wasn't born. He was harvested.

His DNA came from El Patrón, the drug-lord ruler of the country of Opium. Most people hate and fear clones like Matt--except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself.

As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister cast of characters, and realizes escape is his only chance to survive. But escape from the Alacrán Estate is no guarantee of freedom.

Review Quotes

"It is a pleasure to read science fiction that's full of warm, strong characters--people who are really fond of one another, children who are ignorant and vulnerable, powerful evildoers whom one can pity, good people who make mistakes. It's a pleasure to read science fiction that doesn't rely on violence as the solution to complex problems of right and wrong. It's a pleasure to read The House of the Scorpion!"--Ursula K. LeGuin

* "An inspiring tale of friendship, survival, hope, and transcendence." - Kirkus, starred review

* "Farmer's novel . . . hits close to home, raising questions of what it means to be human, what is the value of life, and what are the responsibilities of a society. Readers will be hooked from the first page." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Powerful [and] ultimately hopeful. . . . A remarkable coming-of-age story." -Booklist, starred review

International Bestseller

National Book Award Winner

ALA Newbery Honor

ALA Printz Honor

"A story rich in twists and tangles, heroes and heroines . . . and often dazzlingly beautiful descriptive prose."-- "The Boston Globe"

"Fabulous."--Diana Wynne Jones

"Mind-expanding fiction for older teens that also works for adults."-- "USA Today"

"Strong, rough, exciting reading."-- "Chicago Tribune"