Books like The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Set in Opium, a strip of land between Mexico (now Aztlán) and the United States, the story follows Matt, a clone of the drug lord Matteo Alacrán, also known as El Patrón. Created from preserved cells and raised in a surrogate mother, Matt grows up in the mansion of the Big House with Celia, a cook who becomes his mother figure. After being discovered by children, Matt is taken to the mansion where he endures neglect and mistreatment by the Alacrán family and workers. With the help of Maria, Celia, and the bodyguard Tam Lin, he finds dignity and companionship. As he learns about his identity as a clone and the society’s plan to harvest clones, Matt embraces music and a longing for autonomy. When El Patrón's health fails, Matt’s question of purpose is challenged as he faces a choice between survival and freedom in a world that views him as an object.
First publish date: 2002
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/YA Science Fiction
Authors: Nancy Farmer
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