"The House of the Scorpion" is a novel by Nancy Farmer that tells the story of Matteo Alacrán, a young clone of the powerful drug lord El Patrón. Set in the futuristic country of Opium, which lies between the United States and Mexico, the story explores themes of identity, humanity, and the ethics of cloning. As Matteo grows up, he faces discrimination and struggles to find his place in a world that views him as less than human. The novel highlights his journey toward self-acceptance and the fight against the oppressive systems that seek to control him and others like him.