Book Review of All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat

 

1.     Bibliography

Soontoranvat, C. (2020). All thirteen: The incredible cave rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team.  Candlewick Press.  ISBN: 9781536209457

2.     Plot Summary

In this incredible story we learn about a boys’ soccer team that gets stuck in the Tham Luang cave in Thailand for over two weeks.  The twelve boys of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach headed out to the Tham Luang cave for a quick exploration not giving too much thought about monsoon season that has already started.  When the rain starts the boys, and their coach are already trapped in the cave with rising water.  When one of the boys misses his birthday party that night, his parents start to get concerned and make phone calls to other team members and friends.  When Sangwut Khammongkhon, the director of the Siam Ruam Jai Mae Sai Rescue Organization, gets a phone call about the missing children he starts packing his gear to go get them out.  With the help of The Thai Navy Seals and others the boys and coach get rescued after 10 days with no food and a few extra days to finally get everyone out.  With skill and a lot of trial and error the rescue team eventually found a way to get the boys out and into a hospital to rest and get healthy again. 

3.     Critical Analysis

Soontornvat writes about the amazing story of twelve boys and their soccer coach surviving being trapped in a cave for over two weeks in Thailand.  In this book we get history lessons as well as a lot of science lessons on how the rescuers can finally come up with a plan to get the boys out.  The reader will be intrigued by all the different strategies that were taken to try and rescue the boys.  Soontornvat builds tension in the book even though the readers know all the boys survive, you are still wondering how these boys finally make it out.  There is so much education that comes in this book because of the science behind what the rescuers must do, the readers learn all about climate, cave structure, weather patterns and more.  Throughout the book you see how much teamwork is in play, not just by the rescuers but by the soccer team as well.  What makes the book even more meaningful is that you get to see real pictures of the team and people that were involved as well as what the landscape looked like.  There are diagrams and visual representations of the science behind what the book is trying to explain.  The book features a table of contents as well as an author’s note and acknowledgements.  Soontornvat creates a nonfiction book that gives the reader a sense of adventure, education, and insight into another culture all in one book.  I think young adults will be interested in how these boys get rescued and even learn a thing or two. 

4.     Review Excerpts

“An in-depth account of a harrowing real-life mission that succeeds against all odds...Masterful storytelling fleshes out the complex human emotions behind key decisions, illuminates diplomatic and political negotiations, and underscores an unwavering faith―in maintaining hope and in harnessing powers of the mind. Thoughtfully researched, expertly crafted.
―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Soontornvat’s narrative nonfiction account shares these events and those that led to the rescue along with intricate details about caverns, sump diving, and other scientific details that emphasize the harrowing conditions of the rescue. She also touches on Thai culture, immigration issues, Buddhism, and religion...This stellar nonfiction work reads like a heart-pounding adventure story. Every library should have a copy.”
―School Library Journal (starred review)

5.     Connections

*Other informational books about rescues:

-Rescue by David Long

-Whitewater Rescues: True stories of survival, bravery, and quick thinking by Charlie Walbridge