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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team: (A True Story of Survival, Teamwork, and Global Rescue Efforts - For Kids Ages 9-12 in Grades 4-7) Hardcover – Illustrated, October 13, 2020
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A 2021 Newbery Honor Book
A 2021 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
A 2021 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
A 2021 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
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.
- Reading age10 - 12 years, from customers
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level3 - 7
- Lexile measure1020L
- Dimensions7.81 x 0.83 x 10.25 inches
- PublisherCandlewick
- Publication dateOctober 13, 2020
- ISBN-101536209457
- ISBN-13978-1536209457
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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
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Candlewick
- Publication date : October 13, 2020
- Edition : Illustrated
- Language : English
- Print length : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1536209457
- ISBN-13 : 978-1536209457
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Reading age : 10 - 12 years, from customers
- Dimensions : 7.81 x 0.83 x 10.25 inches
- Grade level : 3 - 7
- Lexile measure : 1020L
- Best Sellers Rank: #8,908 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Christina Soontornvat is the award-winning author of over a dozen books for children of all ages. Her picture books include The Ramble Shamble Children, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, and Simon at the Art Museum, illustrated by Christine Davenier. She is the author of the beloved Diary of an Ice Princess chapter book series. Her recent works include the middle grade fantasy, A Wish in the Dark, which was named a 2021 Newbery Honor Book, and was chosen as Best Book of the Year by The Washington Post and School Library Journal, and All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team, which has received numerous nonfiction awards and was also named a 2021 Newbery Honor Book.
Christina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
Christina is represented by Stephanie Fretwell-Hill of the Red Fox Literary Agency.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book well-written and easy to understand, with one review noting it reads like a thriller. Moreover, they appreciate its inspirational content, highlighting the bravery of all involved in the rescue efforts. Additionally, the book appeals to readers of all ages, with one customer describing it as a fantastic family read. They also like the photos, with one review mentioning the many color photos with captions.
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Customers find the book's storytelling engaging, with one customer describing it as an immersive tale of survival.
"What an amazing story! The author told the cave rescue in an informative and easy to understand way for young readers." Read more
"...Great story! Was nice to read a book about kids from another culture. Easy to read...." Read more
"A teacher HIGHLY recommends this book! Engaging and inspiring nonfiction writing...." Read more
"...Someone recommended this book to me. I really enjoyed the story and the detail. The author did a nice job on research." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and understand, with one customer noting it reads like a thriller.
"...They beg me to keep going every time we dive in. Very thorough and well written. As others have said, the photos are a great bonus!" Read more
"...I really enjoyed the story and the detail. The author did a nice job on research." Read more
"...The author does an excellent job of explaining the cave environment, the challenges of this life or death extrication, and the significance of..." Read more
"...The author told the cave rescue in an informative and easy to understand way for young readers." Read more
Customers find the book inspirational, particularly praising the bravery of all involved in the rescue. One customer mentions being captivated by the rescue details, while another notes how it fosters insightful conversations.
"inspiring!..." Read more
"...is brilliantly written and illustrated; and explains the challenges, strengths, and perspectives of those involved...." Read more
"...Heart warming and immersive story of survival." Read more
"What an amazing story! The author told the cave rescue in an informative and easy to understand way for young readers." Read more
Customers appreciate that the book is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
"...While written for young adults, I believe it will appeal to anyone of any age; and is educational as well as inspiring...." Read more
"...It is a book for young teenagers, young and older adults, parents, families, rescue teams, professionals!..." Read more
"...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!" Read more
"...A child could read this book and a highly educated adult can too and both will learn something. Fabulous job!" Read more
Customers appreciate the photos in the book, with one mentioning the many color photos with captions.
"...Winner of many prestigious awards, it is full of photographs, illustrations, maps, and stories about the boys and their coach, the Thai culture, and..." Read more
"...of the culture, the numerous people involved, including pictures of individuals. Heart warming and immersive story of survival." Read more
"An outstanding book, easy pace in reading, (with many color photos w captions) and a courageous, incredible, TRUE cave rescue of "all 13"!..." Read more
"...Easy to read. Short chapters and lots of pictures though it was 220 large pages (hardcover book)." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's cultural content, with one specifically mentioning the Thai culture.
"...maps, and stories about the boys and their coach, the Thai culture, and the rescuers...." Read more
"...It has details of the culture, the numerous people involved, including pictures of individuals. Heart warming and immersive story of survival." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"Anyone, any age will like this. Science, culture, drama, adventure. Even though I knew how the story was going to end it didn't matter...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2023The 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!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2025I visited Thailand last year. Someone recommended this book to me. I really enjoyed the story and the detail. The author did a nice job on research.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024After 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2022What an amazing story! The author told the cave rescue in an informative and easy to understand way for young readers.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2022An 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!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2022I 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!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022It's easy to read and understand, even when she is describing highly technical aspects of sump diving (never heard of it before) and how differently the water flows inside caves. Who would expect to find near hurricane-force waters in a cave?! But she never loses track of the story itself - the boys, the rescue, the emotions - and she tells it very well. A child could read this book and a highly educated adult can too and both will learn something. Fabulous job!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A teacher HIGHLY recommends this book! Engaging and inspiring nonfiction writing.
This book was, quite simply, DELIGHTFUL! I've been a teacher for over 20 years and highly recommend this as the best nonfiction book I've read for young people. But, it's not just for young people! I read this book for my own pleasure, and it brought me great feelings of hope and peace during this past year.
Christina Soontornvat is a treasure. I follow her on Twitter, and she is so giving and supportive of young readers and other authors. I can't wait to read her other books.
Top reviews from other countries
JohnReviewed in Canada on May 5, 20255.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
This retelling was as gripping as the original event felt watching the daily news. Lots of fascinating details that I didn't know. I really liked the broad focus on the parts played by everyone, including those that didn't get media attention.
GizmoReviewed in Singapore on September 2, 20225.0 out of 5 stars 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.











