Jennifer A. Nielsen
Transporting me from the tense shores of Pearl Harbor and into the heart of a courageous girl and her lovable dog, Happy, Operation: Happy is a roller coaster of emotions. Told partly through the eyes of Happy, Walsh beautifully balances the heart-pounding scenes of war with a tender portrayal of its aftermath.
award-winning author of A Place to Hang the Moon a Kate Albus
An extraordinary story of duty and family. Young readers will fall in love with Happy, a retired Marine sentry dog determined to do what it takes to protect his people from both the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the crushing sense of fear that follows. In turns harrowing and hopeful, Operation: Happy is a book that will immerse kids in a historical moment when fear was all too common, and the presence of a brave and loyal companion couldn't have been more important. Inspiring, endearing, and highly recommended!
award-winning author of The Magical Imperfect and Chris Baron
Operation: Happy is a beautifully written historical adventure with characters that captured my heart. A fast-paced, heartwarming coming-of-age story about a fiercely brave girl and her dog that safely guides the reader through one of the most challenging moments in history.
School Library Journal
04/26/2024
Gr 4–7—Set during the early stages of World War II, this account is told by 12-year-old Jody Zuber and her dog Happy. They come together on Christmas Day 1938 after Happy retires from battle service as a Marine canine. He is losing his eyesight at a time when Jody is starting to see the world for what it really is in her military family. In 1940, her mother is anxious about her father's posting in Pearl Harbor when the Zubers move to live on Ford Island in barracks housing. Thus begins "Operation: Happy," a 10-point plan designed to guide Happy through his golden years. This list steadily grows as Jody and Happy weather air raid drills, vaccinations, and, ultimately, the events of December 7, 1941. When all but Sergeant Zuber relocate to San Francisco after the Pearl Harbor attack, Jody does not see her active-duty father until the war's end. Walsh's novel depicts the family's stateside experiences starkly. As Jody's mom struggles with depression and her sister becomes more distant, Operation: Happy transforms into Jody's plan to keep the Zuber family together. Part memoir, part historical fiction, this book is a must-read for tweens who are learning about this important piece of U.S. history. This is a poignant coming-of-age tale about military life, family, and friendship. Readers will be inspired by Jody's effort to put on a brave face and touched by Happy's love as they journey through difficult times with humor and tears. VERDICT Fans of Jenni L. Walsh will not let this book sit on library shelves for long.—Sharon Sherman
Kirkus Reviews
2024-05-17
Inspired by real-life experiences, this is the tale of a white girl and her dog who experience life in Honolulu during World War II.
With 12-year-old Jody’s dad being a Marine, she’s moved a lot. Her two constants in life have been Happy, her “German shepherd-collie-husky mix,” and Team Zuber, her family, consisting of Dad, Mom, and older sister, Peggy. In October 1940, when they relocate to Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Jody becomes uneasy about her mom’s nervousness over being so near the battleships and about the war in Europe. After the vet says that Happy is in his golden years, Jody creates Operation: Happy, a list of fun new things they can do together. When the realities of war creep into their daily lives, the list becomes Jody’s way of coping with her fears. Then, on December 7, 1941, everything changes when bombs fall around them. Evacuated to San Francisco and separated from Dad, Jody and Happy use the list to find the courage they need to adjust to their new lives. This story of family, courage, and strength during harrowing times includes chapters told in Jody’s first-person and Happy’s third-person points of view. The raw emotions, which include tense, suspenseful scenes leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, are lightened by fun, humorous moments.
An immersive work that’s full of heart and emotion. (author’s note, discussion questions) (Historical fiction. 9-13)
