My Top 10 Books List- Modern Fantasy
I was extremely excited to get into reviewing books in the Modern Fantasy genre. This is my specialty. It is what I grew up on. I really wanted to see what new material is being made available for the YA audience.
Nancy Farmer’s The House of the Scorpion (2002 Simon & Schuster) is a great testament of what YA sci-fi is all about. The novel is set in a not too distant future; it doesn’t exactly specify a particular time. But, the technology it introduces is quite plausible considering the current state of science.
One of the greatest strengths of the story is how it builds upon two of today’s top controversial issues- drug trafficking and cloning. It is an interesting combination.
The story chronicles the life of Matt, a clone created by a great drug lord. I don’t want to give away any more spoilers. This is simply a must read for any sci-fi fan.
Most reviewers recommend the book for ages 11-14. I personally would shift the age bracket up slightly. While Farmer limits the brutality one could associate with drug cartels, some of the issues might be tricky for younger readers. Plus, the book is a little longer than others recommended for this age group.
M Donlevy
Links of Interest
Author Bio
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/writers/writerdetails.asp?z=y&cid=1033958#bio
Author Interviews
http://www.bookpage.com/0410bp/nancy_farmer.html
http://www.locusmag.com/2004/Issues/01Farmer.html
Reviews
http://www.childrencomefirst.com/bkreviewHouseOfScorpion.shtml
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=1-0689852231-0
posted by M. Donlevy @ 8:00 PM
3 Comments:
At 6:34 AM,
Anonymous said…
Michael-
Sounds like a very intersting book with lots of hot topics. This book would be one my husband would enjoy. He's one for modern fantasy. I'm personally not a big fan of fantasy. That was the last book I selected for my Top Ten. I found a good one but it just doesn't interest me. The book does sound a little more complicated than what it's recommended reading age was for. I appreciate your insight. Have a great springbreak! What a wonderful review! Barbara Miller
At 10:42 PM,
Anonymous said…
My middle school students would probably be drawn to this book simply because it talks about drugs. . . I don't care - whatever gets them reading! :) Seriously, I need to check it out, students always want sincere book suggestions from someone who has actually read the book.
- Courtney R. Unruh
At 5:41 PM,
Anonymous said…
Michael,
I'd consider reading this even though science fiction is my least favorite genre.
But . . . I've enjoyed Michael Crichton's books, so I'd be open to reading The House of the Scorpion.
How long is it? I see my middle-schoolers lugging around the Harry Potter books, so length is sometimes not a problem for them. But I'll trust your recommendatins that the book may be geared towards a slightly older audience.
Thanks,
Julie Horrocks
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