From award-winning author Tia Fisher comes an unforgettable wartime story of friendship, courage, and one boy’s heart-wrenching quest for the truth. Perfect for fans of Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo.

It’s 1944 and Stan’s hopes of keeping his family together until the war is over are shattered when his father signs up to fight. Left with his mother in Croydon as Hitler sends over waves of V1 rockets, Stan suffers endless air-raid sirens and long nights in the cramped Anderson shelter they share with their neighbours.

Then comes the news they were dreading: his father is missing, presumed killed. But Stan refuses to give up hope, and when a mysterious piece of doodlebug shrapnel holds crucial information from a prisoner of war, he and his friends run away to track down the truth.

A gripping World War Two adventure based on true events in the Doodlebug Summer of 1944, from Carnegie Shadower’s Choice winner Tia Fisher. Illustrated with impactful black-and-white art by Manuel Šumberac.

Praise for Operation Doodlebug:

“Meticulously researched, expertly plotted and sensitively written, this moving story of friendship and bravery will have younger readers gripped.” -Cathy Faulkner, author of Digging for Victory.

“Relatable characters, a page-turning plot and authentic period detail . . . reminded me of the enduring, quality storytelling of the books of my childhood e.g. The Railway Children, Carrie’s War and Tom’s Midnight Garden.” – Lis Jardine, author of The Detention Detectives.

“Operation Doodlebug is a story full of heart, courage, and friendship. Based on a true story, and featuring well-researched representation of working class and disabled characters, Fisher’s gripping Second World War novel follows Stan and the search for his father while living in Blitz-era Croydon. A future classic.” –The Bookseller

“I hugely enjoyed this superb new Second World War novel. It was so interesting to read about a different part of the war from books I’ve read before, and Tia Fisher has clearly done meticulous research. Croydon in 1944 during the terrifying doodlebug attacks is brilliantly brought to life through the adventures of the three wonderfully memorable protagonists, Stan, Billy and Nellie, and the marvellously vivid supporting characters. Because the setting and characters felt so real, the peril felt real too, and I was completely invested in the children’s lives. Operation Doodlebug is one of the best World War Two novels I’ve read.” -Helen Price, author of Kill Me Now.

Find Operation Doodlebug at Amazon.