Rising Water

March 1, 2019

Gr 6 Up-The story of the young Thai soccer players trapped in a cave for several days is one that gripped the world. Aronson makes the event feel new through his deeply detailed research and his ability to share pertinent information that news organizations may have ignored. The tale is told chronologically, and a "cast of characters" is given at the beginning. Those unaware of this event will be rewarded with a well-researched look at everyone involved, from those trapped to the many who came to help. Beyond bare facts, Aronson gives insight into Thai culture, including information about the "stateless," and focuses on the community built internationally to save those in need. A section titled "How I Researched and Wrote this Book" details how the author relied on the expertise of others, and dovetails nicely with observations of how the interrelationships among countries made the rescue possible. A commentary on media depiction and partial truths is especially resonant and highlights the importance of news literacy. In addition, the back matter is thorough and comprehensive, filled with notes and further reading and viewing. The full-color photos and black-and-white illustrations complement the narrative and give faces to those depicted. VERDICT A thorough, engaging, and inspiring book.-Kristyn Dorfman, The Nightingale-Bamford School, New York City

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2019
Aronson sheds light on the intricate rescue of 12 soccer players and their coach who were stranded in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Thailand in June 2018.Written efficiently as a time log, the narrative first explains that the Moo Pa, or Wild Boar, soccer team was composed of young boys with diverse ethnic and legal statuses in Thailand. The introduction of the team includes respectful explanations of the "stateless" or "undocumented" status of some of the players. Although they were exploring the Tham Luang cave during the dry season, unexpected rains trapped the boys in what quickly became one of the world's top five most dangerous caves when it flooded. Because of the difficult diving conditions, expert cave divers from around the world quickly assembled to offer aid. However, rising water, the boys' lack of diving skills, and forecasts of impending rain created dismal odds for a successful rescue. It took workers from several countries who momentarily dropped all barriers to pull off this incredible feat. Despite the concise narration, the gravity of the rescue is never dampened. Aronson is mindful in his descriptions of differences in cultures and takes care not to filter them through Western assumptions. He also includes a chapter openly describing gaps in his research and account due to key players' personal or political biases. A list of the people involved and their respective organizations are provided as well as photos, a detailed index, and bibliography.Solid writing preserves the natural rising suspense and astonishing details of this rescue. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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March 15, 2019
Grades 5-8 The rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a cave in Thailand in 2018 instantly became international news. As in Trapped (2011), about the rescue of Chilean miners, Aronson takes readers beyond the headlines and into the action of this harrowing event. He sets the scene with descriptions of the young Wild Boar players, the Tham Luang cave system (one of the most dangerous in the world), and the torrential rains that flooded the entrance, forcing the boys deep into the cave. The author continuously emphasizes collaboration among nations as he introduces divers and rescue workers from around the globe and their common goal. With time of the essence and a rescue plan in place, the text quickly gains momentum as Aronson recounts some of the suspenseful life-or-death moments as divers brought each boy out one by one. Numerous photos from inside the cave enhance the solid writing. A concluding commentary considers thought-provoking outcomes of the rescue: most important, as a mirror on the best of humanity in a troubled world.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)