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Reading age
8-12
Genre
Historical fiction
Publisher
Zonderkidz
Publication date
2024, April 2
Jody and her dog, Happy, work together to keep the Zuber family together.
Jody Zuber is an 11-year-old girl who moves with her military family to Ford Island within Pearl Harbor. Jody and her dog, Happy, enjoyed Hawaii’s fun and vibrant lifestyle until the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Following the attack, Jody’s family, including her older sister Peggy and her mom, must move to San Francisco while her dad remains behind. The situation gets tough for Team Zuber, and Jody and Happy must work together to save the family with Operation Happy.
This book takes place in America and Hawaii between 1940 and 1942, during World War II. The intricately woven storyline captivated me from start to finish, and I was utterly engrossed in the characters’ lives. The author has beautifully portrayed Hawaiian culture and customs, which I found informative.
Despite the book’s positive aspects, it also contains several poignant moments, particularly in the aftermath of the bombing and the struggles faced by Team Zuber. I noticed a few instances of Japanese mistreatment after the bombing, which added to the book’s emotional depth.
Jody, the protagonist, is a kind, hardworking girl who is always willing to help her family. Her bravery and courage are admirable, and I rooted for her throughout the story. Happy, the dog, is one of the most loyal and lovable pets I have ever read about. Peggy’s quirkiness and intelligence added an extra layer of entertainment to the story.
Throughout the book, I was constantly worried about Jody’s mother, and her father’s bravery was genuinely inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, especially those who appreciate strong female protagonists. The book’s primary theme is never to give up and to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the situation may seem.
My rating
