Reviews

They Threw Us Away by Daniel Kraus

shi2147's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

xangemthelibrarian's review

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I... I just couldn't get over how Sugar's silly behavior is all because of her head injury. No one else seems to be bothered, so it's probably just a me thing, but it was giving some serious ick.

_reedmylife_'s review against another edition

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3.0

This was not what I was expecting from a middle grade novel. I loved how it delved into humanity and the ways in which we are unkind. I loved that Daniel Kraus took a look into the ways our environment plays a role in our behaviors. This book also pointed out how we are destroying our planet which I think is great insight for children to start thinking about becoming environmental activists. It was so fun to read and I am thinking of continuing the series.

If you are wanting your kids to read this, I think it is a great book, but if you would prefer them not to read something so dark, I would probably recommend a lighter book.

rkiladitis's review against another edition

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3.0

I'm going to kick things off with the book I feel is better for older tweens. They Threw Us Away is being billed as "Lord of the Flies meets Toy Story", and it's a pretty accurate description. A blue teddy bear wakes up in a garbage dump and frees himself; he notes his name tag, which says his name is Buddy, and he sees other boxes of teddies on the pile and works to free the others before rats, seagulls, or a terrifying machine gets to them. Together, Buddy and the other teddies - Sunny, Sugar, Horace, and Reginald - put their memories together: they were in the Store, waiting for children to take them home and love them. Once they are loved by a child, teddies fall into the Forever Sleep. So what happened? The group sets out to get some answers, but they learn that the world is a scary place; even scarier than the Dump, and that the answers they seek may not be the answers they want to hear.

The first in a planned trilogy, They Threw Us Away is bleak and often brutal. There are graphic depictions of teddy bear death, which, when I say it, may sound like something to laugh off, but reading it is pretty horrific. Younger readers and more sensitive readers may be upset by the unrelenting danger and horror. Black and white illustrations throughout reinforce the story. There are some loose ends that we can expect future books to pick up on. Each Teddy has a distinct personality and struggles with their circumstances accordingly: Buddy is kind and gentle; the peacemaker and ersatz leader; Sugar, whose damaged box meant she suffered some bumps, too, is flighty and quirky; Sunny is a conflicted character with flashes of rage and a desire to keep the group together; Reginald is a serious, sagelike teddy, and Horace is fearful. Give this to your dedicated horror fans, and save it for your higher elementary readers and middle schoolers.

mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review. This book had some serious dark Toy Story vibes and I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book!!!

selestereads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.0

natareads's review against another edition

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5.0

5 stars AM SO DEPRESSED after this book wow. I’m so upset over these teddies journey and was crying through half the book. HOW is this a children’s book?
It’s so well written but boy am I sad.

Yes I’m reading the sequel now too

pants0701's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

helyotrope's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

acyzner13's review against another edition

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3.0

Sugar is my spirit animal.