Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy via netgalley!

I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this book. I was intrigued. Would this just be a summary of what we already knew from the news? Would it keep my interest for over 200 pages? It wasn’t and it did.
This book does such justice to this amazing rescue that happened because amazing people put their lives on hold until each boy was out of that cave. This book also wonderfully explains Thai culture and resilience, while also drawing attention to the plight of many stateless individuals in Thailand. As if that wasn’t enough, it also educates you on a vast amount of other subjects that are key to understand in order to grasp the extent of this impossible mission.

This book is amazing! I remember being glued to the TV watching the drama enfold while it was happening, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I could not put it down. Even knowing the end result, this book brought forth all of the emotions the entire world was feeling as we watched.

What I loved about the book was the background knowledge that was sprinkled throughout, including cultural, personal, technical, religious, medical, etc. It really helped to understand all of the different aspects that went into planning this rescue mission.

The photos were amazing! Many of the photos were provided by local people, so it shows way more of the mission than we were shown by the media.

There was so much information that didn’t make it to the international media about how the mission was planned and executed. I found it fascinating how they used local children to practice various aspects of the events.

I definitely recommend this book!

Another hit for Christina Soontornvat! Terrific non-fiction that will engage readers with its photographs and diagrams. Can't wait for my ELA students to read this!

Thailand, friendship, teamwork, spelunking, cave-diving, monsoons, nonfiction, any-age-group

This book is labeled as Children's Nonfiction, but I feel that is a misnomer. This book is from the point of view of the trapped youngsters, yes, but it explains so much more about life and living in a place that never knows snow and where most inhabitants choose the Buddhist faith (which also has a distinct impact on their lives). A year ago I read The Great Cave Rescue and learned a lot about the skilled international response to the emergency and a lot about the physical and medical aspects. This is somewhat different because it explores the bond hat was there before they entered the cave for a rather routine excursion and the individual responses to their days entrapped. Besides, this one has such beautiful photos! It also has skilled drawings of simplified maps for those of us who need that kind of help. It also helps understanding of the awed response of youngsters from a small town meeting people from around the world who came to teach them how to help in their own escape. It's great! My opinion is that, although I totally love audio books, a print copy is better (even if only to enjoy the photos of everything).
I requested and received a free PDF copy from Candlewick Press via NetGalley. THANK YOU!