All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat is a middle-grade nonfiction account detailing the 18-day rescue of 12 soccer players and their coach trapped in Thailand’s Tham Luang cave, focusing on the efforts of rescue divers, military personnel, and volunteers. The story emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and mental strength, with a detailed chronology and personal interviews.

Christina Soontornvat's All Thirteen has garnered acclaim for its suspenseful, well-researched narrative and vivid illustrations, bringing the Thai cave rescue to life. Positive reviews highlight its accessibility and educational value for young readers. Critiques are minimal, mostly noting the complexity of some technical details. Overall, it's a compelling, informative read.

Readers who enjoy true survival stories and inspiring tales of teamwork, such as those found in Into the Wild and The Boys in the Boat, will find All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat captivating. Ideal for middle-grade readers and up, this book offers a gripping, immersive look at the Thai cave rescue mission.

Inspirational / Suspenseful / Emotional / Heartwarming / Informative

- All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat was a 2021 Newbery Honor Book, recognized for its exceptional contribution to children's literature.
- The book was also a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, highlighting its impact and importance.
- Christina Soontornvat, the author, is a Thai American writer with a background in mechanical engineering, which influences her detailed approach to storytelling.

**Christina Soontornvat**  
An American author of Thai heritage, known for writing children's books; she was in Thailand during the 2018 cave incident involving the Wild Boars soccer team.

**The Wild Boars Soccer Team**  
A group of boys in Mae Sai, Thailand, aged 11 to 17, who became known internationally after an incident in the Tham Luang cave.

**Coach Ek**  
The assistant coach, Ekkapol Chantawong, who organizes outdoor activities for the Wild Boars soccer team and is a mentor to them.

**Vern Unsworth**  
A British caver with extensive knowledge of Tham Luang cave, who played a crucial role in guiding the rescue efforts.

**Thanet Natisri**  
An American citizen and water diversion expert born in Thailand, who helped manage groundwater extraction during the rescue mission.

**Rick Stanton and John Volanthen**  
British cave divers known for their expertise, who were instrumental in the successful rescue of the boys from the cave.

**The Royal Thai Navy SEALs**  
A special operations unit that played a significant role in the rescue operations, despite their lack of cave diving experience.

**Major Charles Hodges**  
US Air Force Commander who led a team providing logistical and tactical support to the rescue operation, focusing on problem-solving and planning.

Christina Soontornvat

Middle grade

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Nonfiction

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

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