Operation Doodlebug, the forthcoming middle-grade debut novel by Carnegie Shadower’s Choice winner Tia Fisher, has been praised by Helen Price, author of YA thriller Kill Me Now.

In her review, Price writes:

“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.”

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 twice-Carnegie-shortlisted Tia Fisher and illustrated with impactful black-and-white art by Manuel Šumberac, this is a novel perfect for fans of Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo.

Operation Doodlebug will be released in paperback and ebook in the UK on 5th November 2026. Order your copy here or, better, via your local bookstore and bookshop.org.

Follow Tia on Bluesky @tiafisher.bsky.social.