Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audioARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought thought the author and narrators did a really great job of bringing a story that covers a historically challenging time in a way that is both engaging and age appropriate. This book does a fantastic job of bringing a younger generation into the reality of Peal Harbor, without denying the realities of war but also without bringing a traumatizing tone.
Like I already mentioned, I did think that the first half that the first half of the book was stronger than the second half. Specifically, the plot felt a bit more scattered and rushed. There are a few instances where the ideas being conveyed and/ or the plot points being explored did not feel completely fleshed out or articulated. For example:
1. There is an extremely brief mention of Jody being spooked by fireworks because the explosions sounded like the attack on Peral Harbor. This could have been a really good opportunity to explore the more lasting effect the attack had on Jody physiologically. This not only felt like a missed opportunity but also as if the mention that was included was rushed.
2. There is a passing mention of a girl in Jody's class being sent to a camp with her family because they are Japanese American. Considering the very real history, this felt very glossed over, especially because what little we do get is only Jody's reflection on the issue.
3. The ending felt a bit rushed.

Operation: Happy is a beautifully narrated and well-written story. My elementary students love historical fiction novels, and I know that Operation: Happy will be one of their new favorite stories.

Based on true events, this middle grade novel features Jody and her dog "Happy". Jody and her military family are shipped to Hawaii and Jody struggles with family issues and the bombing and aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jody creates a bucket list of things to help her adjust to yet another move and names it "Operation: Happy". Her goal is to find fun things to take her mind off the air raid drills, vaccinations, and the fact that her mother is conviced that danger is lurking.

I do not find that this content is fit for children. Way too many adult themes for this age level. The cover and description do not relay the story. Feel like it's a bait and switch.

Jody is the daughter of a marine who is stationed on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor in 1941. Happy is the retired military guard dog Jody got for Christmas a few years earlier. Jody and her family navigate their PTSD after being at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

This was a middle grade historical fiction that dealt with a military family who survived the attack on Pearl Harbour and the aftermath. I loved that some chapters were from the dog’s POV (in third person). Happy was the best dog ever. There were definitely heavy topics, beyond just the war scenes. Their mother deals with depression afterwards, there are elements of PTSD, neglect, and one scary incident where a girl is almost attacked by a man.
I’d definitely recommend it as a read-aloud to kids, so you have the opportunity to talk through some of the heavier topics.
Loved the audiobook narration!

A wonderful historical fiction audiobook for middle school aged students on Pearl Harbor from a military kids view. Jody moves to Pearl Harbor Hawaii with her family and her dog Happy. She is excited to explore all that her new home has to offer with her dog Happy. She has made her top 10 list as she does for all her new military homes and the adventure begins.
Brian Holden and Gail Shalan are excellent narrators for this book. I would recommend this for a family road trip or as an intro to studying Pearl Harbor in class.

The narrators nailed it. Happy's voice is so much fun and really showcases his goofy (yet loyal) nature. Jody's execution is also so well done. I can feel her emotions and I feel like I'm right there with her. So well done!

Operation: Happy is a wonderful story about a young girl who has to take on more responsibility than any child should due to war and family mental health issues. Walsh did an excellent job of sharing the American perspective of WWII as well as exploring mental health struggles on individuals and their families. This is a story worth reading together as a family (where topics can be discussed) or on your own.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such a poignant story! So emotional and deep. I have no words to describe all the feelings I felt while lisgwnif to this book. I didn’t expect to feel so many different feelings. It was beautiful.

Walsh does an excellent job of combining a child's personal conflict with world issues. We see the impact of constantly adjusting to new environments and the uncertainty of war combined with the necessary changes that come with aging. Fear and anxiety are palpable but manageable in this narrative. Most notably, the book includes the attack on Pearl Harbor in a real and present manner. We experience the chaos, the smoke and danger, the grim reality, without it ever becoming overwhelming or graphic.

**Operation Happy: A Heartfelt Journey of Strength and Growth**

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

"Operation Happy" is a captivating tale that immerses readers into the life of Jody and her family, stationed in Hawaii during the tumultuous times of the Pearl Harbor bombing. This novel beautifully captures the essence of being a military family, thrust into chaos and uncertainty, and the emotional toll of being separated.

What struck me most was how Jody's dog, Happy, played such a pivotal role in her journey. Happy wasn't just a pet; he was her rock, providing unwavering strength and comfort when the world seemed to be falling apart. The bond between Jody and Happy is depicted with such warmth and sincerity, making it a cornerstone of the story.

Jody's character development is another highlight. Her initial attempts to shoulder the burdens alone, to be the unyielding pillar for her family, resonate deeply. But what makes her journey truly inspiring is her realization that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to her strength. Watching her grow, struggle, and eventually reach out for support adds a profound layer of authenticity to the narrative.

"Operation Happy" is not just a historical novel; it's a heartfelt exploration of resilience, love, and the human spirit's capacity to adapt and thrive. It's a reminder that in the face of adversity, it's okay to lean on those we love and to find solace in unexpected places. This book will stay with me for a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that balances historical depth with emotional richness.

This is a sweer yet short and sad story that underscores the importance of mental health, espeically for parents. The book, though fiction, is based on real-life experiences, making its portayal of mental health struggles all the more poignat.
Highlighly recommentd it for its heartfelt and realistic depiction of an important topic.
Not last, I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for offering me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The audio book was great to listen to on drives. While it was a great story I wouldn’t recommend listening in front of little children. Mine were interested but then it didn’t end up being as age appropriate as I thought. Overall great audiobook.

Sweet story, though sad by its nature.
I was very impressed by the author's note at the end of the book.

This is an excellent book for young middle grade readers who want to read more about WWII and Pearl Harbor, without too much violence or trauma. That doesn't mean there aren't a lot of complex themes. Jody is a relatable narrator - a girl who loves her dog and her family, with realistic worries and cares, and plans to work through her struggles. Happy is a charming support character - readers will love the chapters told somewhat from Happy's POV.
The timeline of this story is accessible to readers - we get to experience Jody's family moving to Hawaii's military base, their battle for survival during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and their subsequent struggles as Jody, her mom, and her sister must move back to the mainland without their father. Based on a true survival story.

It's 1940 and Jody's family is moving to Hawaii, where her Marine Corp dad will be stationed. Luckily, she gets to bring along her new furry family member, a retired military service dog named Happy. Jody starts a list of things she can do with her aging dog while he is still able to do them. Told partly by Jody and partly by Happy, this sweet story about a family going through a challenging time is a great historical fiction view of some homefront challenges faced by many Americans. Jody's mother begins suffering from depression after the mom, daughters and dog are relocated to California following the attack on Pearl Harbor. I loved how the author approached these sensitive, but real problems. And the dog doesn't die - which I was quite worried about. It's on my summer reading ideas board along with the author's other books.

Very cute read, and I think that it would appeal to a lot of kids at my library. I appreciated, as I think many kids will, that the author clarified in the beginning that the dog does NOT die in this one. I also think that the historical events that were happening at the time of this book were portrayed in a kid friendly manner while still being honest.

This book is so cute! I love the characters and the story was very good! I hope to read more by this author in the future! Yay!

I wish there was more Happy! I adored the dog chapters in this book. While I feel some parts were sad and scary for middle-grade, I also realize there are kids that even in this day and age still deal with daddy - or even mommy! - away from home for months at a time with only one parent who may or may not be fully there mentally. For those kids, I think this book would be a great pick so they don’t feel so alone and can feel a kindred spirit to Jody’s positive attitude. Thank you NetGalley and ZonderKids for the advanced audio! I fully enjoyed listening!