In 1940, Jody, her family, and their dog Happy are on the move again, this time to Pearl Harbor’s naval base. Despite the beauty of the island, reality of World War II creeps into their daily life with air raid drills and Yellow Fever vaccinations. But when Jody awakens to an attack, her whole world changes. Based on real-life events, Author Jenni L. Walsh’s historical fiction novel, Operation: Happy, is an
inspiring story of courage, determination, and a family’s struggle to survive. I recommend this to those who love middle grade, historical fiction and coming-of-age stories. If you liked Rob Buyea's What Come's Next, then you'll love this story.

Thank you Netgalley & Zonderkids for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

A middle-grade historical fiction story about a girl and her dog, as they endure WWII together.

Told from alternating perspectives of 12 year old Jody, and her retired-military dog Happy who are living on a Marine base in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Although this story introduces WWII to a middle-grade audience, it does so in an age-appropriate way that's not too scary.

I felt the ending was a bit rushed, and that the encounter her sister has near the ending may be inappropriate for this audience.

Overall, I would recommend this book to middle-grade readers over age 10.

Operation: Happy
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.71/10 overall

Characters - 7
The characters in this book were fine, but none of them really stood out to me. They were relatable enough and had some personality, but not to the extent of memorability for me personally.

Atmosphere - 6
The atmosphere felt a bit lacking; I would've liked some more description throughout the story. Aside from some vague landscape glimpses, it was hard to distinguish what exactly the buildings Judy and Happy went to really looked like, especially in context to their surroundings.

Writing - 7
The writing in this book was decent. It moved the story along and was understandable. However, parts of it felt notably dry and dull.

Plot - 6
The plot was interesting. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the constantly changing situations that Jody and Happy had to go through. Where the first part felt action-packed though, the second part felt much slower. Part of that might be purposeful mood-setting, but the first half had plenty of somber moments without dragging down the pace.

Intrigue - 7
I was intrigued by the cover and title from the get-go. I'm not usually someone who reads historical fiction, but I was pleasantly surprised by that aspect of the book. The historical element was a highlight for me. I liked the connections that the story made and those features made the story feel more realistic. My intrigued was dampened by the twists and turns of the plot though. I couldn't quite tell where the story was going and the ending felt rather off.

Logic - 7
This story was reasonably logical. The logic was certainly aided by the historical elements, but it could still work without that context/setting.

Enjoyment - 7
I enjoyed parts of this book. I was especially delighted by Jody and Happy's relationship. They really had a close-knit bond that helped them through a lot of tough circumstances.

Operation: Happy is the heartwarming middle-grade story of Jody, her dog, and her family as Pearl Harbor survivors.

It’s 1940 and Jody and her military family (including “Happy”) have just moved to a naval base in Hawaii where her dad is stationed. Jody enjoys the company of her dog, Happy, and works diligently on her top ten list of things she likes best about her new home. Jody’s mom is stressed and worried about the war being fought in Europe. One day, Pearl Harbor is attacked and Jody and her mom and sister are evacuated to San Francisco. The family misses Dad, Mom experiences depression, and Jody finds school a difficult adjustment. Out of desperation, Jody comes up with a plan to help her family.

Jody is a creative and optimistic girl who loves her dog and making top-ten lists. Because she is part of a military family, she moves around frequently. In each place, she makes a list of ten things she loves about her new home. When she find out that her dog is getting older and is slowing down, she makes a list of things that she can do with Happy that will bring him joy. Told mostly from Jody’s perspective, this story is enjoyable for middle-grade readers because we occasionally hear from Happy’s perspective! If you’ve ever had a loyal, protective dog, you will relate to Happy’s “thoughts and feelings.”

Note: Nothing tragic happens to the dog in this story!

I love historical fiction for children because a story can introduce a difficult or complicated topic in a gentle way. This story will generate discussion and might inspire additional research about the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Middle-grade literature is known for its themes of hope and family. This poignant story shows how a family can struggle when one of the parents has a job that requires long periods of separation or when one parent experiences a mental health challenge. The story also explores how children might feel responsible for the family and the ways they might assume responsibility for adult problems. Other relatable themes include friendship and bullying, I always love a hopeful ending and this is where middle-grade lit shines!

Thanks #NetGalley @Zonderkidz for a complimentary e ARC of #OperationHappy upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Jody is moving again with her Marine father, mother and sister to Hawaii in 1940. The highlight of the
move is the addion of retired military sentry dog Happy. Jody starts a list of thing she can do with
Happy as she adjusts to life on the island. Happy helps her deal with the air raid drills that are becoming
part of life. When Pearl Harbor is attacked. Jody must once again move to San Franciso with her
mother and sister while her father stays behind. With the help of Happy, Jody does what she can to
keep her family safe. A brave and resilient girl.
#OperationHappy #Zonderkidz #NetGalley

Operation Happy is a story told from the perspectives of 12 year old Jody and Happy, a retired military dog as they help one another through the events surrounding the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The chapters that have Happy's perspective have a little paw print to avoid confusion.
I thought the story would be more about the relationship between the 2 and how Jody's Operation: Happy list (to make the most of the time they had together) would unfold but it was a little darker and dealt with heavier topics of war, mental health, sexual assault etc.
The audiobook is very well done and brought the characters to life as well as the stress and emotions that Jody was experiencing yet I was puzzled as to why Happy's perspective was not in first person.
It is published by a Christian publisher but does not have many faith elements and so if the reader has that expectation, they will be disappointed.
I would recommend this to an upper middle grade but it is not a warm, fuzzy book. The author does make sure to put a note at the beginning stating that Happy does not die which will be appreciated by more sensitive readers and in her note at the end she reveals that Jody is based on a real person which always makes a book more meaningful.


Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Jody's dad is in the Marines and their next post is Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Jody overhears her mom talking about how she had a bad dream about Hawaii, but doesn't understand what it means. This is a great story about Jody and her dog Happy as they acclimate to a new life in Hawaii amid all of the uncertainties surrounding the war overseas. As Jody and her family survive the attack on Pearl Harbor, they realize things will never be the same again as they are sent from place to place until they finally land in San Francisco without dad. This is a great story for middle grades readers to learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor from a child's perspective. The author does a great job of making this appropriate for kids while not sugar coating some of the horrors of war. Highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction!

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Military kids are strong, resilient and adaptable. But what makes life better, is a dog. A big, happy dog. When you have to move to a new place, make new friends, there is nothing more constant that the love from you dog. 12 year old Jody is making yet another move with her family. This time to Pearl Harbor, HI, where her Marine father will be stationed. But it’s ok, because she has her best friend with her, a retired military dog named Happy. Together they explore Hawaii, and enjoy the warmth and freedom to be kids, until the attack on Pearl Harbor, their backyard. With Happy at her side, Jody learns to navigate her tough times while her family separated by war. But she also learns that no matter how hard you try, sometimes you need help. And it is ok to ask for it.

I loved this book. Happy and Jody were such wonderful, lovable characters. I loved having Happy's point of view. Jody is so real, as we see her struggle with moving and being involved in different parts of the war. Being so close to the action at Pearl Harbor and getting a child's point of view was beautifully done. I felt for Jody and her family as they are fighting to stay alive and fighting to stay together.
I laughed and I cried, This is a great book for any animal lover. I think it would be a great middle grade book club book as there is a lot to discuss.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Jody is moving again with her military family -- to Pearl Harbor. She is excited to move to Hawaii; she cannot wait to have adventures with her dog, Happy.

Jody's mom feels that island is dangerous, and she begins practicing first aid. Jody is realizing that her dog is slowing dog. She makes a list of things they can do together, which allows Jody to focus on something other than air raid drills.

Pearl Harbor is attacked, and Jody's father needs to remain in Pearl Harbor, while the rest of the family evacuates. She feels alone in San Francisco; Jody tries to keep her family together, despite everything feeling so hopeless.

What a heartwarming story of friendship and family.

Absolutely adorable and a compelling read. I loved happy. I enjoyed this read as an adult and know all children will too

I read this one rather quickly in just a couple days with my daughter. It is such a sweet and heartwarming story of a girl and her dog but on the backdrop the harrowing experiences of Pearl Harbor during World War 2. This was such a sweet and lovable story. We couldnt put it down!

A young girl experiences the effects of World War II with her faithful companion, a dog named Happy.

The Zuber family is stationed in Ford Island as WWII rages across Europe. Jody's father serves in the marines resulting in their relocation to Hawaii. Happy joins the Zuber family and becomes Jody's loyal companion. Jody experiences various drills in preparation for air attacks from Japan. As the situation intensifies, Jody and her family return to San Francisco. Jody faces new challenges as her mother struggles to raise her and her sister without their father since he remains in Hawaii.

Jenni Walsh's story based on a real family was an interesting read.. The separation of Jody's father due to being stationed in Hawaii is relatable to families serving in various branches of the armed forces. I enjoyed reading about Happy. A well-written book and one I recommend.

Jody and her dog, Happy, are best friends. Together, Jody, Happy, her sister, and mother survive the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and are evacuated to San Francisco for safety. This book was told from Jody's perspective with some chapters from Happy's point of view. Jody shared her feelings about moving to Ford Island with her family because her Marine father was now stationed there. She found joy on the island, going to school, and loved having Happy join in on her adventures. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, Jody's family travelled by ship convoy to San Francisco. Jody's mom struggled being separated from her husband and Jody found the strength to keep the family together, fed, and safe until their father could join them in the future.
This would be a great book for ages 8-12. It dips into a little history of Pearl Harbor and what was happening on the west coast during 1941 without inappropriate details for this age group. I liked that it touched on the Japanese residents being sent away to camps by having a classmate of Jody's not show up for school one day and there was an explanation from the teacher. For kids that want to be heroes in their lives, this would be a perfect book because Jody had to do some challenging things for her family and thrived. If I were still teaching, I would use this as a read aloud in my fifth grade classroom.
Thank you to Zonderkidz-Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was impossible to put down.

Set during World War II, 'Happy' is a retired marine dog who joins the family of an active marine as a Christmas gift for his daughter, Jody Zuber. He was a sentry dog but his eyesight is fading and so he becomes a beloved pet and trusted confidant to the young girl.
Jody's father is posted to Pearl Harbour in 1940 and the novel is split into the time leading up to and including the terrible events of December 1941 and then afterwards as the family are separated and Jody's father has to remain in Pearl Harbour. Jody, her sister Peggy and her mother have to relocate and seek refuge in San Francisco and as her mother falls apart, struggling mentally, Jody tries to keep the family together. Happy keeps Jody together. He saves her more than once.

Told through the eyes of both Jody and Happy, this historical fiction novel, based on true events, is a moving tale of friendship and resilience. Animal lovers, history fans and anyone who doesn't know enough about World War II should read this superbly written recollection of hope during one of the darkest moments in the 20th Century.

We read this book with children age 10-12.

Thank you to NetGalley and ZonderKids for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

Jody and her dog Happy are best friends. Because her father is a member of the Marines, the family, which includes sister Peggy and Mom, has to move often. At some point they ends up in Hawaii. More specifically to Pearl Harbor. First of all, it's a wonderful life on the tropical island. But it quickly becomes clear that this paradise is in danger. One day the worst happens and the Japanese army launches its attack on Pearl Harbor. Jody and her family survive, but are separated from her dad. Jody, her sister and her mother come to San Francisco via stopovers and try to build a new life until they can be reunited with their father. But everything quickly gets out of hand and Jody has to do everything she can to keep her family together.
This book primarily tells the story of a girl and her dog. But as the story progresses, the focus becomes more and more on a family that has to find its way through the trials and tribulations of war. Jody and her sister have to grow up quickly and suddenly take on a lot of responsibility because their parents are temporarily unable to do so. Despite all the despair, hope for better times always shines through. Happy the dog always stands faithfully at the side of his favorite person. In some chapters the story is even told from his perspective, which gives the story a different point of view. Overall, this is a great young adult book that shows what you are capable of even in dark times and how important it is to have someone by your side, regardless of whether that someone has two or four legs.

Though this book deals with difficult subject matter, it is told in a really heartwarming way. I loved the relationship between Jody and her dog, Happy. I think young readers will really enjoy the alternating POVs. One of those being Happy’s!

I enjoyed the themes of friendship, family, and love interwoven with the historical elements of World War ll. The story has a great message for children, making the best of difficult situations. I thought it was so sweet when Jody went on the hunt to find a new apartment to help her mother and sister. I loved their bond.

Overall, an engaging historical fiction for young readers. I definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.

Operation: Happy is a fantastic middle grade historical fiction novel!
I'm not sure why I haven't read much of Walsh's previous books, but after reading about Happy and Jody and their family, I will certainly embrace reading more of her works. I really liked that the book was relatable and focused on family and friendships as well as the historical aspects. Fans of Alan Gratz will love this tale! I can't wait to share this with my readers!

Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh was a total dream to read, unlike most children's book's that I usually whizz through, this one I took my time with, way past my own usual deadline, but I just so enjoyed it!

Walsh invites us to learn and befriend Team Zuber's pup, Happy in this Historical Children's Novel.
Set in 1938 and leading up to the main and terrible events of Pearl Harbour in 1941, we learn about Jody and her lovingly loyal ex-marine dog: Happy.
Jody had always wanted a dog, and finally her parents get her one for Christmas, perfection. Happy isn't a young dog, having served with the Marines and his handler Gordon for a long period of his life, he is then sent on his next mission, to befriend a young girl who moves around a lot but is desperate for fur friend to play with and love.

Happy has experience but as he's retired from his trained life, he now gets to experience being loved and wanted by one little girl. Losing his 20-20 vision, Jody plans on making the most of the time Happy has left as he's now moving towards his OAP status. Together, they created the "happy list" which gives them both time to spend together doing all the things they love and also gives Jody time to focus on instead of the dark days she has at the Island.

The whole book is brilliantly written through the eyes of a marine's daughter and her dog who has served already. Happy can sense many things even though he's struggling with his sight, he uses his powerful snout and uses his ears and feelings to make sense of everything.
I really liked the way Walsh was able to put herself into Happy's shoes and explain an awful and terrifying part of history through a child's eyes - an incredible feat! And with such detail but without completely traumatising any young reader attempting to read this book! I found that so inspiring for a book. Despite the book mostly having a lot of bad experiences, war, being split from one's family, moving around a lot and fear, there are also little moments of humour, which I massively appreciated even as an adult but it seriously helped to break it up and I suspect younger readers would need that too.

I also loved the way Walsh portrayed the Japanese in all of this. Even though the "past" Japanese of the war era rained bombs over Pearl Harbour that day in December 1941, she showed us that the future Japanese people cannot be held responsible, I really loved that as most children see things in black and white, good or bad. I loved that Japanese people were incorporated into the book. It's one of the first children's books I have read about WWII that is outside of the UK and I too loved to learn about the perspectives others may have gone through!

I completely applaud this author's writing and will be keeping my eye out for her works in future. I am definitely putting this on my personal shelf for my own kids to read!

I received this book as a free DRC from Netgalley in return for an honest review. all opinions are my own.

I loved this book. Although this is a children’s book, the subject was heavy containing war and bombings and all. I think this book gave a very good insight in how devastating and impactful this kind of situations are. This is about the Second World War and Pearl Harbor, but it really is a very actual topic still nowadays.

I loved that Jody had Happy with her to get through these emotional and trying times. I think for a 12-year-old she did a really good job.

I also have to give credit to the author for the first message in the book saying that the dog does NOT die in this book. I hate reading about dogs dying because they’re just too good to die. So I was glad to read this book already said he’d live. Happy deserves to live 🐶♥️