Operation: Happy: A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond
2025-2026 Club Tome Book Award Winner
2025 CBC Teacher Favorites Winner 
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A girl, her dog, and the list that saved them...
By 1940, Jody has lived many places thanks to her dad’s military job, but when he is assigned to a naval base in Pearl Harbor, it feels like a different kind of adventure. From the new culture to being able to run barefoot and lounge in the pool, Jody doesn’t think she’ll have trouble creating a top ten list of her favorite things about her new home, especially with her dog Happy by her side. But it’s becoming clear Happy is slowing down. On top of that, Mom worries about the island and wants to leave, which makes Jody wonder if their little paradise isn’t as safe from the war as she thought. To cope, Jody begins a new list called Operation: Happy—activities she and Happy can do together to distract her from things like air raid drills and her mom’s first aid practice. Then Pearl Harbor is attacked. In the aftermath, everything changes ... and when Dad needs to stay behind after the family is evacuated, Jody becomes the leader of her family. However, there’s nothing easy about that task, especially when her mom becomes depressed. With Happy’s help, Jody comes up with a plan that could keep everyone safe ... but will this new Operation: Happy be enough? |
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Available in Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook
Available in Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook
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Order an Autographed Book: Newtown Bookshop | Commonplace Reader
Order an Autographed Book: Newtown Bookshop | Commonplace Reader
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Praise for Operation: Happy
"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." — Kirkus
"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
"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
”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
"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." — Chris Baron, award-winning author of The Magical Imperfect and The Gray
"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
"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
”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
"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." — Chris Baron, award-winning author of The Magical Imperfect and The Gray
