Operation: Happy: A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond
on Goodreads (422)
What’s inside...
As World War II enters her backyard, a young girl named Jody 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 point of view and inspired by real-life experiences of a young Pearl Harbor survivor, this historical middle-grade novel will inspire readers aged 8-12 to find courage in any situation. The book follows Jody as she adjusts to life in Pearl Harbor with her military family, copes with her dog Happy's aging, and faces the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack. With her family evacuated and her father staying behind, Jody must hatch a brave plan to keep her family safe with the help of her loyal dog.
Age
8-14
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the bond between the characters so strong during the difficult times of World War II?
How do you think the characters felt during their challenging moments and how did they manage to stay hopeful?
What does courage mean to you, and can you share an example of when you had to be courageous?
How do you think friendship can help people overcome tough situations?
What did you learn about resilience from the story, and how might you apply it to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, emphasizing that all feelings are valid.
Relate the story's events and character experiences to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their connection to the narrative.
Discuss the historical context of World War II briefly to give your child a better understanding of the setting and challenges faced by the characters.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts during the discussion to foster an open and expressive conversation environment.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the courage and resilience shown by the characters and those qualities in people they know or historical figures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Operation: Happy' display bravery and determination during the challenging times of World War II, inspiring young readers with their resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, be it at school or in social situations, with a brave and positive attitude, understanding that obstacles are a part of life that can be overcome.
Example Lesson: The strength of friendships
Explanation: The unbreakable bond between the characters despite the war's hardships highlights the importance and strength of true friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and nurture friendships, showing them that true friends provide support and strength in difficult times.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As characters in the book experience loss and hardship, they demonstrate empathy towards each other, which helps them to survive and cope.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, helping them build stronger relationships and become more compassionate individuals.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters keep pushing forward, embodying resilience that readers can admire.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to keep trying and not give up, whether it's dealing with academic pressures, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope
Explanation: The theme of maintaining hope in dark times runs throughout the story, providing a positive outlook on life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of hope and optimism, understanding that maintaining a positive outlook can lead to emotional well-being and better outcomes in their endeavors.