All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

Christina Soontornvat

Oct 2020 · Candlewick Press

About this ebook

A unique account of the amazing Thai cave rescue told in a heart-racing, you-are-there style that blends suspense, science, and cultural insight.

On June 23, 2018, twelve young players of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach enter a cave in northern Thailand seeking an afternoon’s adventure. But when they turn to leave, rising floodwaters block their path out. The boys are trapped! Before long, news of the missing team spreads, launching a seventeen-day rescue operation involving thousands of rescuers from around the globe. As the world sits vigil, people begin to wonder: how long can a group of ordinary kids survive in complete darkness, with no food or clean water? Luckily, the Wild Boars are a very extraordinary "ordinary" group. Combining firsthand interviews of rescue workers with in-depth science and details of the region's culture and religion, author Christina Soontornvat—who was visiting family in Northern Thailand when the Wild Boars went missing—masterfully shows how both the complex engineering operation above ground and the mental struggles of the thirteen young people below proved critical in the life-or-death mission. Meticulously researched and generously illustrated with photographs, this page-turner includes an author’s note describing her experience meeting the team, detailed source notes, and a bibliography to fully immerse readers in the most ambitious cave rescue in history.

Ratings and reviews

Thailand, friendship, teamwork, spelunking, cave-diving, monsoons, nonfiction, any-age-group***** This book is labeled as Children's Nonfiction, but I feel that is a misnomer. This book is from the point of view of the trapped youngsters, yes, but it explains so much more about life and living in a place that never knows snow and where most inhabitants choose the Buddhist faith (which also has a distinct impact on their lives). A year ago I read The Great Cave Rescue and learned a lot about the skilled international response to the emergency and a lot about the physical and medical aspects. This is somewhat different because it explores the bond hat was there before they entered the cave for a rather routine excursion and the individual responses to their days entrapped. Besides, this one has such beautiful photos! It also has skilled drawings of simplified maps for those of us who need that kind of help. It also helps understanding of the awed response of youngsters from a small town meeting people from around the world who came to teach them how to help in their own escape. It's great! My opinion is that, although I totally love audio books, a print copy is better (even if only to enjoy the photos of everything). I requested and received a free PDF copy from Candlewick Press via NetGalley. THANK YOU!

About the author

Christina Soontornvat is the author of several books for young readers, including The Blunders, illustrated by Colin Jack, and the middle-grade fantasy novel A Wish in the Dark. She holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a master’s in science education. Christina Soontornvat lives with her family in Austin, Texas.