Operation: Happy: A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond

by Jenni L Walsh

Overview

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 Di Camillo

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310159261
Publisher:	Zonderkidz
Publication date:	04/02/2024
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	151,692
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Jenni L. Walsh worked for a decade enticing readers as an award-winning advertising copywriter before becoming an author. Her passion lies in transporting readers to another world, be it in historical or contemporary settings. She is a proud graduate of Villanova University, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, daughter, son, and various pets.

Jenni is the USA Today bestselling author of historical novels Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, and Unsinkable. She also writes books for children, including the nonfiction She Dared series and historical novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, and Operation: Happy. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Jennifer A. Nielsen

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 A Place to Hang the Moon a Kate Albus

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.

award-winning author of The Magical Imperfect and Chris Baron

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

School Library Journal

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)

Kirkus Reviews