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Parents' Guide to

The House of the Scorpion

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Gripping, gritty sci-fi tale of a clone's identity struggle.

Book Nancy Farmer Science Fiction 2001
The House of the Scorpion Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 13+

Based on 4 parent reviews

OrthodoxJewishMom
OrthodoxJewishMom Parent of 4, 9, 11 and 13-year-old
October 23, 2019
age 14+

Intriguing World Building

My first glance through The House of the Scorpion had me wary of the contents, but when I settled in I was quite surprised by the content. I think that this book had an interesting way of introducing young adults to deeper political considerations. I marked this 14 and up because the violence and cruelty could be upsetting to a younger audience. For readers coming from a non-religious or non-Catholic environment, I would alert them in advance not to be dissuaded by the abundance of seemingly Catholic references because this appears to be used more to present Mexican culture. (Noting this as I am recommending this to my son, and we are Orthodox Jews.)
ChristianM 1
ChristianM 1 Adult
November 25, 2015
age 12+

Trash

I think this book is as boring as boring books get. What possessed someone to put out such a drab lifeless "tale" beats me. what i do know is the the "exciting" "thought provoking" moments happen far from each other and in between you are left with garbage you dont care about in between each scene
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Set in the near future, when a narco-state called Opium separates the U.S. and what used to be Mexico, THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION follows Matteo Alacran as he grows up in the household of his \"benefactor,\" the drug kingpin known as El Patron. Nearly everyone hates Matteo because he is a clone, harvested from the DNA of El Patron, but there are a few individuals -- a bodyguard, a cook, the daughter of a U.S. senator -- who treat him kindly. Over time, Matteo begins to understand how El Patron runs his business and the terrible toll it takes on anyone who tries to escape into the U.S. With that understanding comes a realization of his true status within El Patron's severely dysfunctional family, and Matteo must decide how to escape the fate planned for him.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (14 ):

This is a gripping, gritty science fiction coming-of-age story that won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and was named both a Newbery and Printz Honor Book. Matteo's struggle to build an identity for himself beyond that of a detested clone is both harrowing and poignant. Narrated across the protagonist's childhood, the plot maintains a high level of suspense without straining credulity. Author Nancy Farmer creates a rich cast of well-rounded characters, where even the most despicable figures reveal their vulnerable, human sides.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why cloning is such a popular theme in science fiction. What might be the consequences of cloning human beings? What kinds of rights should clones have?

  • What are some of the reasons that compel people to leave their countries of origin and live illegally elsewhere? What are immigrants expectations?

  • Should drugs like opium, marijuana, and cocaine be decriminalized? Would that lead to less drug abuse and violent crime?

Book Details

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