Each student will read both novels.

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

     Born into a dystopian future, Matteo Alacran learns that he is the clone of El Patron, a powerful drug lord who rules the country of Opium. As a clone, Matt is considered an animal by El Patron's greedy family, who throw him in a cell and leave a maid to mistreat him. When El Patron realizes what his relatives have done, he rescues Matt and places him under the care of Celia, a surrogate mother, and Tam Lin, a Scottish bodyguard. Acknowledged now as the protégé of the evil El Patron, Matt grows up trapped in a society where enemies abound. Eventually, he flees the estate, only to be captured by Keepers who put him to work. Yet again, Matt must endure severe trials to escape and bring redemption to El Patrons evil empire.
     The novel explores the struggle between science and humanity, presenting a dystopian possibility for the future. Although The House of the Scorpion is somewhat long with a rather complicated plot, secondary-school students will enjoy reading Matt's haunting story of survival. Be aware that there is some mild language and fairly graphic descriptions of mistreatment and violence.

Awards
2002 National Book Award
Newbery Honor Book
Michael L. Printz Honor Book for Young Peoples Literature
Taken from www.edb.utexas.edu

Animal Farm By George Orwell
     This is a classic book about just what it says, a farm. However, the themes explored in this short work are of power and control and even human nature. Students will, in reading this novel, be exposed to an iconic author while grappling with the moral implications of government and power structures. Though the themes being handled are quite mature, they are presented in a way that is appropriate for the younger student.