From the Publisher
A stunning middle grade novel!
“An important book that not only shines a light but also shows young readers how to shine their own. Luminous.”
— Booklist (starred review)
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Review
—Booklist (starred review)In lucid prose written in third-person-present tense for a heightened sense of immediacy, Soontornvat gives readers a journalistic account of the difficulty and complexity of the rescue effort. Using interviews and other primary sources, she keeps a tight focus on the unfolding story, with its inherent edge-of-your-seat, heart-in-your-throat drama, adroitly juggling a parade of characters, clearly laying out the technical and engineering challenges, and judiciously parsing out expository information in the occasional sidebar.
—The Horn Book (starred review)
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)
Soontornvat masterfully chronicles this amazing undertaking, in which incredible ad hoc feats of engineering became commonplace. Her narration and the testimonies of the numerous figures she interviewed are suspenseful and deeply felt. Interspersed with All Thirteen’s gripping account are fascinating, accessible analyses – supplemented by photos, diagrams, maps and more – of the cultural, technological, scientific and spiritual considerations that affected the rescue effort, from Buddhism to climate change to political protocol…All Thirteen is an inspiring testament to those 18 fateful days of communal empathy, determination and hope. In Soontornvat’s talented hands, it’s at once a nail-biter and a revelation: “This rescue was impossible, and they did it anyway.”
—BookPage (starred review)
In her nonfiction debut, Soontornvat (Simon at the Art Museum) presents a well-researched, comprehensive look at the 2018 rescue of the Wild Boars juvenile soccer team from Thailand’s flooded Tham Luang Nang Non cave…Soontornvat delivers humanizing coverage of a harrowing event, attempting to decenter Western media’s lens with great success. Back matter includes an author’s note and a bibliography
—Publishers Weekly Online (starred review)
Soontornvat’s narrative moves smoothly between those stranded deep within the cave (which eventually included four rescuers who chose to stay with them), local and national officials whose competence and reputation were at stake, and diverse teams of recruits and volunteers, whose energy and goodwill sometimes exceeded their effectiveness…Most spreads feature at least one color photograph or a schematic of a cave or recovery system; well-placed insets add cultural and scientific notes. An author note remarks on Soontornvat’s research and personal experiences, and annotated source notes, a bibliography, and index will also be provided.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
The term page-turner gets tossed around a lot, but All Thirteen is the real deal. Even if you think you know this story, you won’t be able to stop reading.
—Steve Sheinkin, award-winning author of Bomb and Undefeated
All Thirteen is one of the best middle-grade nonfiction books that I have ever read. Even though I knew how this story was going to end, I found myself captivated from beginning to end. Christina Soontornvat did a marvelous job bringing this inspiring rescue to young readers.
—Colby Sharp, cofounder of Nerdy Book Club
A nonfiction marvel.
—Minh Lê, award-winning author of Drawn Together
Maid Marian –
The story of this miraculous cave rescue has been the subject of quite a few movies and books. One of the best movies I’ve seen is “Thirteen Lives” directed by Ron Howard. The book, “Aquanaut: The Inside Story of the Thai Cave Rescue” by Rick Stanton is very well done.”All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team” by Christina Soontornvat is exceptional. Winner of many prestigious awards, it is full of photographs, illustrations, maps, and stories about the boys and their coach, the Thai culture, and the rescuers. The author does an excellent job of explaining the cave environment, the challenges of this life or death extrication, and the significance of teamwork and a positive attitude. Each of the 31 Chapters is brilliantly written and illustrated; and explains the challenges, strengths, and perspectives of those involved. Cavers and non-cavers will understand what a miracle the rescue of all 13 actually was. While written for young adults, I believe it will appeal to anyone of any age; and is educational as well as inspiring.As Soontornvat says, “The lesson I wanted to share the most comes from Coach Eck and the boys, who — like their rescuers — defied impossible odds. They taught me that ‘impossible’ exists only in your mind. You are capable of so much more than you can even imagine.”Be forewarned – the book is impossible to put down until you have read it all! I give it 5 STARS! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 As a cave owner, and a caver, I highly recommend!
krishank –
After reading this book, i purchased this for my 13 year old granddaughter. It has details of the culture, the numerous people involved, including pictures of individuals. Heart warming and immersive story of survival.
StarZ –
An outstanding book, easy pace in reading, (with many color photos w captions) and a courageous, incredible, TRUE cave rescue of “all 13”! It’s a page turner! I highly recommend reading this book and the amazing culture & religion of Thai life and that of this boy’s soccer team. Harrowing as it was in reading each chapter, I found it to be profoundly uplifting and virtuous! I plan to give this book as a Christmas gift to a 13 year old great nephew! (He will love it!) It is a book for young teenagers, young and older adults, parents, families, rescue teams, professionals! A completely engrossing experience!
M. Breinholt –
What an amazing story! The author told the cave rescue in an informative and easy to understand way for young readers.
Max_Beta –
I picked this for my son who needed a non-fiction summer reading book, going into 5th Grade. We both read it (so I could make sure his book report made sense) and we both liked it a lot! Great story! Was nice to read a book about kids from another culture. Easy to read. Short chapters and lots of pictures though it was 220 large pages (hardcover book).
Julie –
I listened to this book with my 7yo and 9yo and it was powerful. We also bought the book because of the illustrations and we enjoy thumbing through it as well. Listening together fostered insightful conversations and perspectives that we continue to discuss. We have since watched the documentary and are excited to see the movie that’s coming out. But this book is written so well and caters to young and old alike in a very special way. It’s a MUST READ (or listen) for all!
kelly –
This was a great booked, stayed stuck to it from start to finish. Even if you know the story, you don’t know it all until you read this book.
Mares –
It makes you believe in the impossible AND that communities can come together to brainstorm and help each other. 😎
Gizmo –
Well written account of the Tham Luang cave rescue
Highly recommend this book for those who want a readable and interesting account of the rescue.