Walsh, Jenni L. Operation: Happy. Grand Rapids, MI: ZonderKidz, 2024.

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Summary

As World War II enters her backyard, a young girl tries to cope with the war and keep her family together by completing a bucket list with her best friend: her dog Happy. Featuring a dog’s POV and inspired by real-life experiences of a young Pearl Harbor survivor, this historical middle-grade novel will inspire readers 8-12 to find courage in any situation.

It’s 1940, and Jody is moving with her military family yet again—this time to a small naval base in Pearl Harbor. She’s always created a “top ten” list for each new home to help her adjust, and with Hawaii being so beautiful and her loyal dog Happy by her side, it’s easy to find things to add.

But Jody’s mom is convinced the island is dangerous and starts constantly practicing first aid. Jody also learns that Happy is getting older and beginning to slow down. To cope, she makes a list of fun things they can do together. “Operation: Happy” gives her something to focus on beyond the scary new experiences, like air raid drills and Yellow Fever vaccinations.

Before long, everyone’s worst fears come true: Pearl Harbor is attacked. In the aftermath, Jody’s father must stay behind as the rest of the family is evacuated, and Jody promises him she will keep everyone together. But things are hard in San Francisco, where she feels like an outsider. Worse, her mother has become depressed, and Jody worries she and her sister will have to go to an orphanage. With Happy by her side, Jody hatches a brave plan to keep the family safe … Will Operation: Happy see them through?

Operation: Happy is:

• perfect for fans of historical fiction as well as animal lovers
• a moving and historically accurate novel inspired by true events
• ideal for readers of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Kate DiCamillo

Purchase Operation : Happy on Amazon – https://amzn.to/4diNiWN

My MS Review

War stories written for upper elementary and middle school that aren’t “scary” are hard to find. Jenni Walsh has written a great story about Pearl Harbor that I don’t think is “too scary” for the age group. Because it is about a Marine family living at Pearl Harbor there are some scary parts but I think the book is well-written and that most children of this age bracket will be able to handle the story.

Jody’s dad is a Marine who is being stationed at Pearl Harbor. The family goes along but Mom is not happy about it. Before the move Jody gets a retired military dog as a gift. Happy is by her side through the move and all the challenging situations they face. After the attack on Pearl Harbor the family is evacuated to San Francisco. While Jody is the youngest of the two girls, she is the one who has to take care of things when dad isn’t around. Mom goes through a period of depression and sister Peggy is attacked – Jody is the strong one but ends up calling dad for support.

Some of these events might be triggering for children so adults will want to be aware of them.

I do think Operation: Happy would be a great addition to the historical fiction section of a K-12 Christian school library. I would love to see this book receive an award. It is appropriate for older elementary and middle school children.

I received a complimentary copy of Operation: Happy. This is my honest review.

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