The House of the Scorpion cover
CE Pick ✦ Best Seller Award Winner

The House of the Scorpion

Featured Reading List Award Winners Best Sellers Popular Reading STEM Reading

Overview & Summary

Matt is a clone created solely to provide replacement organs for El Patrón, the ruthless, centuries-old drug lord who rules a fictional country carved out between the U.S. and Mexico, and Matt must fight against being dehumanized -- treated as livestock rather than a person -- to claim his own identity and freedom. Nancy Farmer's National Book Award-winning novel is a rich, morally complex work of science fiction exploring cloning, power, and personhood.

Available Formats

  • 🎧Audiobook
  • 📖Hardcover
  • 📱Kindle
  • 📖Paperback

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Who This Book Is For

Ideal for High school students (Grades 9–12) with an interest in STEM subjects like English Literature. Great for students who want to build sharp analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Grade LevelUpper (9-12)
Lexile ComplexityHigh School & Up (1100L+)

Why CE Recommends This Book

An award-winning book chosen for its strong writing and engaging themes. Helps young readers develop critical thinking, expand their worldview, and express clear opinions.

Academic & Admissions Takeaways
Grade & Readiness: Aligned for Upper (9-12).
Lexile Complexity: Targeted for High School & Up (1100L+).
Subject Alignment: Strengthens logic and scientific inquiry in English Literature.
Reading Goal: Lexile growth, classroom discussion readiness & essay depth.