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"In his audiobook debut, [Quincy] Surasmith narrates with a calm, journalistic demeanor and pays careful attention to the correct pronunciation of Thai names. His measured, clear presentation serves to highlight the hardworking determination of the rescue and the high stakes of the operation. Narration and writing seamlessly weave in sidebars on topics like Thai culture and history, the science of cave formation, politics, and the unique challenges of cave diving.
— Booklist
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When the action of the rescue ratchets up, Surasmith narrates with an exasperation that makes listeners feel like they too are trapped in the cave. This informative, engaging yet pithy audiobook is suitable for all audiences.”
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—AudioFile Magazine
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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
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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
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A nonfiction marvel.”—Minh Lê, award-winning author of Drawn Together
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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