The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer | Teen Ink

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer MAG

By Continuum GOLD, Little Rock, Arkansas
Continuum GOLD, Little Rock, Arkansas
17 articles 0 photos 0 comments

When my mom gave me The House of the Scorpion, I thought I would never read it. The cover was red and black and had a large, creepy scorpion on it. My first thought was this was some horror story with bugs crawling all over. I finally gave in and began reading it. Immediately I was sucked in; The House of the Scorpion is not about actual scorpions, but a family whose last name is Alacrán, which means scorpion.

This novel is set in a futur­istic world of Mexico and the Southern United States. The main character is Matteo Alacrán, the clone of a powerful drug lord. This book is about his journey as a clone with everyone looking down
on him. When he finds out the horrible secret of why he was ­created, he realizes he must ­escape. The House of the Scorpion is not just thrilling but thought-­provoking.

It is very easy to connect with the characters because the author, Nancy Farmer, writes so beautifully. She paints pictures with words; I could see everything as it happened. Because I was so engrossed in this world, it was hard to put it down. When I finished, I wanted to read it again and again.

The cover of The House of the Scorpion doesn't bother me anymore – probably because I love the story behind it. I finally learned with this book the age-old rule: “Don't judge a book by its cover.” If anyone is looking for a fascinating read, I highly recommend The House of the Scorpion.


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This article has 41 comments.


on Jan. 10 2010 at 2:08 pm
NikkiNak111 BRONZE, Cadillac, Michigan
3 articles 0 photos 4 comments

Favorite Quote:
Live each day like it's your last because some day it will be

Yes this book is beautifully written and tells a great story. Nancy Farmers is one of the best authors of our generation. I also reccomend another book of hers it's called "the Sea of Trolls" it's about vikings and I think anyone that enjoys house of the Scorpion will enjoy this book.

on Jan. 10 2010 at 11:02 am
XxCrazyGurlXx SILVER, Whiteville, North Carolina
6 articles 0 photos 23 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Besides my fashion sense? I play a mean harmonica.&quot; -Fang (Maximum Ride)<br /> &quot;I never wanted a part like this in my life.&quot; -Demi Lovato on Camp Rock<br /> &quot;Pink isn&#039;t just a race or color, its an attitude.&quot; -Myself

One of the best books in the WORLD! I read it in sixth grade during BOB (Battle of the Books) it was awesome! I loved it!!! LOL!!! Nice Review Too!!!!

on Nov. 30 2009 at 4:08 pm
Anne_K PLATINUM, Northfield, Minnesota
46 articles 7 photos 24 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;I don&#039;t like lollipops!&quot; -Artemis Fowl

It's kind of mysterious, and good for sci-fi people. You'll love it!

on Nov. 27 2009 at 8:24 pm
LoveLikeWoe DIAMOND, LeSueur, MN, Minnesota
54 articles 2 photos 748 comments

Favorite Quote:
Whoever laughs first has the sickest mind.

ummm... is this book scary? mysterious? because i like scary things. i like scifi and vampires and aliens. i like putting a picture in my mind that wouldn't happen on earth.

ajparker said...
on Nov. 27 2009 at 10:22 am
I suggest you to wattpad .com because that is a place you can read books online and someone must have put it up there!

vballluver said...
on Nov. 5 2009 at 12:55 am
I read that book for a project in 7th grade. It was one of my favorite books! I read ahead :) Btw luv the summary u wrote.

kkcarebear said...
on Sep. 27 2009 at 1:18 pm
this book was amazing i had to read it for a schoo lproject and wasnt excited at all....once i started reading it i was amazed i didnt want it to end!!

on Sep. 22 2009 at 8:58 pm
JessiRose SILVER, Richmond, Virginia
6 articles 1 photo 2 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Keep a smile on your face even if your sad.&quot;

This is a really good book! i read it I think.... 2 years ago. I couldnt put it down!

on Jul. 15 2009 at 8:23 pm
kiwi12 PLATINUM, Austin, Texas
28 articles 10 photos 365 comments
I want to read it now!

Alannah said...
on Jun. 2 2009 at 12:22 am
WOW! i just read this book and it is AMAZINGGGGG!!! when i saw i thought it would be long and boreing, but it was awsome! GREAT READ!!!

on May. 27 2009 at 12:22 am
I only liked the ending, because I'm a scary and damaged person.

on Apr. 10 2009 at 11:10 pm
PearlX PLATINUM, Ypsilanti, Michigan
25 articles 20 photos 18 comments
I remember reading this in 6th grade! (: I don't normally enjoy sci-fi books like this, but I think it was a good read!



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Great review!

vic said...
on Mar. 19 2009 at 1:16 pm
I LOVE THIS BOOK





cuz i never read it...

jojo said...
on Feb. 23 2009 at 7:58 pm
What is the Sound He hears in the Bush?

Johny123 said...
on Jan. 25 2009 at 4:33 am
I LOVE this book.. >.<


I couldn't put it down

Luvzbooks said...
on Jan. 14 2009 at 11:39 pm
WOW! Just like you, i saw this and said, eh this book is just a weird horror book but a couple of days ago i picked it up and couldn't put it down. This is a MUST READ book because this book is GREAT!

on Jan. 13 2009 at 1:44 am
I love this book we have to read it in Advisory and i LOVE it!

simmm said...
on Nov. 21 2008 at 2:58 am
I remember buying this book from a book fair in middle school. I loved it! It's not your usually kid's book in the end, but it still will always be one of my past-time favorites.

pleasant said...
on Nov. 20 2008 at 9:10 pm
Your book review it so true. I loved, loved this book. I wish i could write like you, its spellbinding, magical.

luan said...
on Nov. 20 2008 at 9:08 pm
very nice review i give it a 5 star, im hoping to read this book some time in the future