YA Novel: Operation: Happy | A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
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EDUCATIONAL · YOUNG ADULT · WWII FIction
Operation: Happy
A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond
By Jenni L. Walsh
Published by Zonderkidz
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
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.
My Thoughts:
I found this story to be heartwarming, adorable and loved it deeply! I was able to read both the hardcover and follow along with the audiobook, both of which were well-done.
What I loved:
I enjoyed the alternating POVs between 12YO Jody, the daughter of a military family stationed on Ford Island, HI at the time of Pearl Harbor's bombing, and Happy, Jody's retired-military dog. Jody's POV is often more serious, as she experiences and shares about details of her family’s life during the time of WWII, while Happy's POV offers a sometimes more lighthearted, humorous take on what Jody is experiencing. I thought it was cute how he identified certain emotions she was feeling through smell and compared them to the scents of different foods (nervousness = stinky broccoli, happiness = vanilla, etc).
This novel had emotion, heart and was historically accurate. With strong threads of patriotism, perseverance, courage, family, love, and hope, I thought the book was well-written and offered an excellent first-hand account about the perils of war and how it impacted families both far and wide. It was emotional, gripping and still ended HAPPY!
PARENT NOTES & POTENTIAL SPOILERS:
I did expect this novel to be faith-based, however it was not. It reads as a secular novel. There are some mentions of church/Sunday school but the content and motivations are not faith driven. There is an instance of Jody’s father saying “My God,” but it is not specified whether this is a prayer or taking God’s name in vain which is how the phrase comes across (it is spoken at the time of utter horror and devastation). Jody’s mother is noted as having dreams that frighten her surrounding the family’s move to HI, as well as the fact that she later experiences clinical depression as a result of the experiences and strain on the military family. Jody’s sister is cornered by an unknown male who clearly has ill-intent however Jody and Happy save her before anything happens. There are, of course, details surrounding the bombing of Pearl Harbor, mentions of blood, injuries, death, guns, bullets, sunken ships and fright. Racism surrounding the Japanese people is also touched on as well as being orphaned. At one point, the girls help by reloading guns and machinery, only to have those same items take down an American plane that evening with friendly-fire which causes Jody distress. I personally felt each of things to be lightly touched on and handled delicately (not dwelt on long), but caution should be exercised in previewing for sensitive readers.
As for me, I intend to wait and read this WITH my daughter in third or fourth grade. I feel that is an emotionally appropriate time to read the book and absorb its details.
SUMMARY:
Overall, an educational, heartwarming novel that is valuable, excellent resource for a first-hand account of the bombing at Pearl Harbor and life as a military family during WWII, which will hopefully spark many conversations and deeper historic research. Appropriate for boys and girls ages 8-12 or I’d even say 7-14. Parents should preview the book for younger readers and as always, exercise their own judgment based on the maturity of their reader. I recommend this book and am happy to have it on our homeschool shelf!
