Titan and the Wild Boars Book Review

Titan and the Wild Boars: The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer Team

Written by Susan Hood and Pathana Sornhiran

Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

Published May 2019

Mom's Review

Titan and the Wild Boars was my top pick for the Cybils Award (unfortunately, we did not reach a consensus in its favor). It is the true story of the Thai soccer team that was trapped in a cave in 2018 and had to be rescued by divers when the cave complex flooded. When this happened, T's dad and I followed the events through the news; T heard us discussing it at the time and also began following the rescue efforts. He still recalled discussing their rescue when we read this book – a feeling of personal connection made this book more meaningful. Even though we knew the boys would all be rescued in the end, the story was so well crafted that we still felt suspense as the rescue was underway. Titan and the Wild Boars is simultaneously informative and exciting, connecting American readers with children halfway around the globe.

Fascinating back matter includes (but is not limited to) a timeline, interview with two UK divers, and a legend about the caves.

Son's Review

(Age when reviewing: 4)

I like it. It makes me kind of scared, though, and worried. [My favorite part] was the rhymes at the end.

Note: A review copy was provided by HarperCollins Publishers in conjunction with judging the Cybils.