"Richardson's characters leap off the page and will capture the hearts of all who enjoy a fast-paced historical war story about a struggling family and the boy who helps save his neighborhood."—Chanticleer Book Reviews
"I would highly recommend An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze to readers aged twelve and up who are interested in historical fiction, particularly those curious about the personal and emotional effects of war on young people."—Kids' BookBuzz
"...ideal for ten+ aged boys who enjoy wartime novels."—Seattle Book Review
"Richardson masterfully portrays the day-to-day life of a teenager in 1943, blending humor and warmth with the serious issues of the era."—Literary Titan
"Richardson has a knack for just the right word."—Kirkus Reviews
"...most remarkable are the novel's nuanced responses to the war, from heroic to pacifist, delivered in a non-judgmental and empathetic way, providing its intended young audience with a means of forming their own opinions."—BookLife
"Richardson vividly delivers a stirring coming-of-age tale set in a time period preserved only in history books, handed-down family stories, and fictional tales. Family dynamics feel authentic, capturing a slice of life in all its mundane glory."—R.C. Gibson for Indies Today
"...an absolute must-read for all who cherish nostalgia of ancient times and historical fiction..."—Wajeeha Bashir for Book Nerdection
"...Richardson skillfully navigates themes of loyalty, trust, and the moral complexities faced by adolescents thrust into adult dilemmas..."—Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
"...filled with both danger and self-discovery...a thought-provoking reflection on the consequences of war and how it can tear apart communities and individuals in unexpected ways. But ultimately, it is a story about hope and resilience, showing that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light and goodness to be found."—James B. for Authors Reading
An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze, recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, finalist in CIBA's Hemingway Book Awards, and runner-up winner of the PenCraft Book Award, renders life on the home front through the watchful eyes of 15-year-old Scotty Johannsen as WWII rages across the globe. Against the backdrop of blackouts, bomb shelters, rationing, and victory gardens, Scotty and his friends follow the rhythms of yesteryear, weaving their wartime worries through the "wilds" of Seattle's Ravenna Park, where their imaginations run free.
Into this fragile balance a neighborhood threat emerges: Someone is lighting fires during the mandatory blackouts. Scotty, whose father is an air raid warden, is soon caught up in the firebug mystery and tries to smoke the arsonist out. When the local bully throws suspicion on Scotty's draft-age brother, and when even his best friend's actions don't seem to add up, Scotty must navigate a moral and ethical thicket while treading a path toward maturity. Even as scarcity slips into every nook and cranny, An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze celebrates a youthful spirit and hearkens to simple pleasures, where free time and family abound.
David Scott Richardson's An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze is a work of historical fiction set in 1943 in the Pacific Northwest. A heartwarming and playful coming-of-age adventure, this novel is suitable for MG/YA and the young at heart. It contains no gratuitous language, but there are a few slurs...
