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

Ages 10+, likely to appeal especially to 12-16 year olds, but interesting for adults too. Read more about this book in our selection of best books of 2021 for teens.

Best Kids' Books of 2021

All Thirteen is a gripping and insightful non-fiction account of the most ambitious cave rescue operation ever undertaken. Twelve members of a junior football team and their assistant coach were trapped in a flooded cave for over two weeks while thousands of specialists from around the world worked to save them, ultimately at the cost of two rescue divers’ lives. Writing in the present tense, Soontornvat vividly brings to life this region of Thailand, the engineering operation, and the mental struggles of thirteen young people trapped in the dark without supplies. A very well-researched, suspenseful book with plenty of illustrations.

Best Books for Teens of 2021