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

I saw All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat on the list of Newbery Honor books for this year and was immediately intrigued because I had been fascinated by that news story back in 2018. I had to wait on hold for the book at the library for several months but just got it--and finished it in one day! This is a nonfiction account (written for a children/young adult audience) of the 13 Thai boys (ages 11-16) and their soccer coach who went on a fun outing through a cave and ended up getting trapped deep inside when the cave flooded. Miraculously, they were found after 9 days and then all rescued 8 days later.

This book was AMAZING. The author told the story so well--it was engaging, well organized, fascinating, etc. I came away from the book just amazed at the miracle of the rescue and so touched by how much a human life matters. So many experts from around the world came and dedicated their time and skills (and some even risking their own lives) to save these boys. The book really showed how many people put their efforts into this rescue and how much work it truly required to make the miracle happen. This book was interesting and inspiring, and I highly recommend it.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)