58 pages 1 hour read

Christina Soontornvat

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

Nonfiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Themes

The Importance of Teamwork and Communication

Throughout the book, Soontornvat highlights several examples of teamwork and communication to show that these qualities are essential to a successful endeavor. She contrasts the problems created by a lack of communication and teamwork with the positive outcomes that accompany open communication and willingness to work together.

One example of positive communication and teamwork is the Wild Boars soccer team. Although they differ in age, the boys on the team are close-knit and are used to spending time together both on and off the soccer field. Before the 12 boys became trapped in Tham Luang, they went through a lot together that helped forge their teamwork and spirit of resilience. For example, they won and lost soccer games together, and they went on outdoor adventures that required perseverance. These activities helped foster a spirit of teamwork in the Wild Boars. They also learned to communicate well with each other. Coach Ek allowed the team to make decisions together, so everyone got to voice an opinion. The teamwork and communication skills that the Wild Boars cultivated prior to their experience in Tham Luang allowed them to encourage each other and stay strong together while inside the cave.