Picture a globetrotting scientist turned storyteller who wove her wild adventures into award-winning young adult novels—meet Nancy Farmer! Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1941, Farmer’s life reads like a novel itself, blending Peace Corps missions, African research, and a knack for crafting fantastical tales. Her masterpiece, The House of the Scorpion, snagged the National Book Award, captivating readers with its daring blend of science fiction and real-world grit.
Farmer’s stories, translated into 26 languages, draw from her eclectic experiences, from studying tsetse flies in Zimbabwe to teaching chemistry in India. With a sharp wit and a heart for complex characters, she’s become a luminary in young adult fantasy, inspiring readers to think deeply about humanity, identity, and adventure.
The Making of Nancy Farmer
Growing up in a hotel on the Arizona-Mexico border, young Nancy worked the switchboard at age nine, soaking up stories from quirky guests. Her curiosity led her to Reed College, where she earned a B.A. in 1963, followed by studies in chemistry and entomology at UC Berkeley. Instead of a desk job, she joined the Peace Corps, teaching in India from 1963 to 1965. Her restless spirit then took her to Africa, where she spent 17 years, including time in Mozambique monitoring water weeds and in Zimbabwe researching tsetse fly control. There, she met her husband, Harold, marrying him after a whirlwind week-long courtship.
Farmer’s African years shaped her storytelling, infusing her work with vibrant cultures, humor, and a scientist’s eye for detail. After returning to the U.S., she began writing in her 40s, channeling her adventures into fiction that feels both fantastical and grounded.
Nancy Farmer’s Unforgettable Stories
Farmer’s novels blend science fiction, fantasy, and real-world issues, creating worlds that challenge readers to think. Her most famous work, The House of the Scorpion (2002), follows Matt, a young clone navigating a dystopian drug empire. This National Book Award winner and Newbery Honor book explores identity and ethics with a gripping narrative. Its sequel, The Lord of Opium (2013), continues Matt’s journey, tackling power and redemption.
The Sea of Trolls (2004), inspired by Norse mythology, follows Jack, a Saxon apprentice, on a Viking adventure packed with trolls and dragons. The trilogy, including The Land of the Silver Apples and The Islands of the Blessed, showcases Farmer’s knack for weaving mythology with humor. A Girl Named Disaster (1996), a Newbery Honor book, traces a Mozambican girl’s survival journey, drawing on Farmer’s African experiences. Her stories shine with vivid settings, complex characters, and themes of resilience and humanity.
Farmer’s style is accessible yet profound, blending dry humor with thought-provoking questions. Whether exploring cloning or cultural clashes, she crafts tales that resonate with teens and adults alike, earning her a loyal global following.
Why Nancy Farmer Matters
Nancy Farmer’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to tackle big ideas—cloning, cultural identity, survival—through relatable characters and thrilling plots. Her novels, honored with three Newbery Honors and a National Book Award, encourage critical thinking, making them staples in classrooms and book clubs. By drawing on her diverse experiences, Farmer brings authenticity to her worlds, inspiring readers to embrace adventure and question the status quo.
Her influence extends beyond awards, as her stories, translated into 26 languages, connect with readers worldwide. Farmer’s legacy is one of courage, curiosity, and storytelling that bridges cultures and generations, proving that a scientist’s precision and a wanderer’s heart can create magic on the page.
- Born: July 9, 1941, Phoenix, Arizona
- Key Works: The House of the Scorpion, The Sea of Trolls, A Girl Named Disaster
- Awards: National Book Award (2002), three Newbery Honors, Michael L. Printz Honor
- Lives: Menlo Park, California, with her husband, Harold
Snag The House of the Scorpion and dive into Nancy Farmer’s thrilling blend of science fiction and adventure—your next favorite read awaits!