Operation Doodlebug: a wartime story of friendship, courage and one boy’s heart-wrenching quest for truth

by Tia Fisher

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 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.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 5, 2026

About the author

I’m an author from south-east England, writing from middle-grade to YA in prose and verse. I love exploring important issues: writing gritty, realistic fiction for young people; accessible fiction that opens conversations.

Crossing the Line, my debut teen verse novel about a boy who gets caught up in county lines drug exploitation, won the 2024 Carnegie Shadowers’ Medal, the 2024 UKLA prize, was in the 2024 Read for Empathy collection and was one of The Times and Sunday Times’ best children’s books of 2024.

Grab yourself an early read of Not Going to Plan, a YA verse novel about teenage sexuality, consent, and the right to make choices without shame or blame. https://lnk.to/NotGoingToPlan

Reviews

[Max A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Doodlebug is an exciting and engaging story which follows three children during WW2. Nellie, Stan and Billy, for various reasons, have stayed in London during the Blitz, facing hardships but getting by. But things become harder, Stan's dad signs up to fight and then the Doodlebugs begin to fall. and staying home becomes even more dangerous.

The characters are likeable and relatable - I especially enjoyed Nellie's character - they all have their own strengths but none are infallible.

Whilst it is a fictional story, it is based in lots of facts - definitely suited to anyone with an interest in WW2 - with lots of details I didn't know, so I learnt quite a few new things. However, you don't need a specific interest in history to enjoy this story; it has lots of action, and moves at a quick pace. It also covers themes of friendship, intolerance, resilience, loss and hope. These themes and the historical accuracy would make it an excellent class read too.

[Sue H H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having very much enjoyed Tia Fisher's brilliant YA verse novels, I was eager to see where this change of direction would take a younger reader.
This wonderful MG story is so full of warmth, hope and heart with a cast of engaging characters, particularly Billy whose personality is so much bigger than his disability. His dwarfism is sensitively handled, ensuring he is portrayed as a rounded, flawed character and never a figure of pity.
Operation Doodlebug brings World War II skilfully and vividly to life with fascinating attention to detail. Optimistic, never heavy handed despite the serious subject matter, this future classic should be a staple in every junior school library.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the early read.

[Matthew Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both my parents were bombed out by Doodlebugs at the end of World War II which made this a fascinating and meaningful read for me. It begins with a boy, Stan, saying goodbye to his Dad, who's off to fight in the war. But while Stan waits anxiously for news about D-Day, the Doodlebugs continue to rain down on Croydon, and Stan and his friends Billy and Nellie are evacuated to the Norfolk coast, where even more challenges await...

Fans of Goodnight Mister Tom will LOVE this book, which is the perfect introduction to the Home Front (life in England during World War II) for middle grade pupils.

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from the publisher.

[Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another extraordinary book from the pen of Tia Fisher. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I struggled to put it down once I’d started. This book has rich and relatable characters, a page-turning plot and uses authentic period detail with a light and illuminating touch. The last six chapters had me bawling. 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. Bravo, can’t wait to see what Tia will turn her hand to next.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Focuses on the V1 and V2 attacks later on in the war. Also features Norfolk I enjoyed every page