CapaCapa
Scan Sign in
Cover of Operation Bounce House

Operation Bounce House

Matt Dinniman

Ages 10–16

Readers rate it 4.0 (350 on Hardcover)

449 pages · Released Feb 10, 2026

Content report card

What's inside

Medium confidence

Sexual content

LGBTQ+ themes

Substance use

What it offers

A note for parents

Operation Bounce House is a science fiction adventure that blends action with humor and heart. The story centers on defending one's home and community against corporate greed, with themes of ingenuity and resilience. While there is combat involving remotely piloted war machines, the violence is not graphically depicted and fits the adventure genre. The book contains some mild language and emotionally heavy moments but remains largely accessible for older middle-grade to early teen readers.

Analyzed by AI · 17 hours ago

Read it with your kids?

Rate it and suggest an age to help other parents.

Log in to review

From the publisher

A man must fight for his planet against impossible odds when gamers from Earth attempt to remotely annihilate it in this epic, fast-paced novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl. All colonist Oliver Lewis ever wanted to do was run the family ranch with his sister, maybe pl... A man must fight for his planet against impossible odds when gamers from Earth attempt to remotely annihilate it in this epic, fast-paced novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl. All colonist Oliver Lewis ever wanted to do was run the family ranch with his sister, maybe play a gig or two with his band, and keep his family’s aging fleet of intelligent agriculture bots ticking as long as possible. He figures it will be a good thing when the transfer gate finally opens all the way and restores instant travel and full communication between Earth and his planet, New Sonora. But there’s a complication. Even though the settlers were promised they’d be left in peace, Earth’s government now has other plans. The colossal Apex Industries is hired to commence an “eviction action.” But maximizing profits will always be Apex’s number one priority. Why spend money printing and deploying AI soldiers when they can turn it into a game? Why not charge bored Earthers for the opportunity to design their own war machines and remotely pilot them from the comfort of their homes? The game is called Operation Bounce House. Oliver and his friends soon find themselves fighting for their lives against machines piloted by gamers who’ve paid a premium for the privilege. With the help of an old book from his grandfather and a bucket of rusty parts, Oliver is determined to defend the only home he’s ever known.

Shelved under

  • Fiction
  • Loveable Characters
  • Diverse Characters
  • A mix driven
  • Strong Character Development
  • Weak Character Development
  • Not Diverse Characters
  • Plot driven
  • Character driven
  • TBB Sub SF&F
  • Unloveable Characters
  • Adventurous

Share this guide

ISBN 9780593820315 · Penguin