Operation: Happy: A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond
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
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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.
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!--Kate Albus, award-winning author of A Place to Hang the Moon and Nothing Else but Miracles
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, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Words on Fire, Resistance, and Uprising
