Reviews by Teens

Review by Prayash, member of the Dawes Road Youth Advisory Group

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer is an extremely thought-provoking story. It is about an individual who faces many challenges in his life, including the sense of marginalization and his own identity being viciously judged by others. The main character, Matteo Alacrán, is a clone. He was brought to life by scientists who made him only to use his organs for transplanting them into his original “owner", who also happened to be a powerful drug lord in Mexico. Matteo's life story wasn't supposed to be a long one. He lived in a dark abandoned shed, never to have seen daylight. He had never experienced a life outside of his own area, and was far from understanding basic human characteristics. After all, there wasn't really a point. He was only made to be used.

But after a group of kids accidentally find Matteo's shed, they decide to bring him to the main family. The family that he is supposed to be a part of. But truth be told, the more Matteo learns about his own supposed family, the more secrets he begins to uncover about them and himself. Deep and dark secrets that could change his life forever. And not in a good way. Will Matteo ever be able to understand the meaning behind all that is to be found? Will anyone even believe him? Or will he be shunned yet again for the “animal” that we was always thought to be. After all, who would believe someone who isn’t even “human”?

This book is definitely recommended to young adults who like science fiction and dystopian fiction. It has even won'three awards. There are two books in The House of the Scorpion series; the other is called The Lord of Opium. As teens read the book, they will fall in love with certain characters. With the compelling bonds of trust, love, and acceptance, anyone one who reads The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer will definitely be amazed by her influential writing.

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