Please note that this title is currently out of stock but is available for pre-order. While we don’t have an exact publishing date yet, it is expected to be available within approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
£8.99
Eighteen-year-old Declan Noone has always felt different.
Living in New York with ADHD, he struggles to find his place in a world that rarely seems to understand him. School is a challenge, friendships can feel fragile, and the future is uncertain.
When an unexpected opportunity takes him to Ireland, Declan discovers a landscape steeped in ancient folklore, breathtaking beauty and timeless stories. As myth and memory begin to intertwine with his own experiences, he embarks on a deeply personal journey that quietly transforms the way he sees himself—and the world around him.
Blending contemporary literary fiction with the gentle magic of Irish mythology, Declan Someone is a warm, uplifting coming-of-age novella exploring identity, belonging, neurodiversity and the courage to embrace who you truly are.
Written with compassion, humour and emotional honesty, Kate McElderry’s debut novella celebrates the idea that our greatest differences can become our greatest strengths. Thought-provoking and quietly inspiring, it is a story that will resonate with teenagers, young adults and adult readers alike.
Perfect for readers who enjoy uplifting literary fiction, coming-of-age stories and novels celebrating neurodiversity, resilience and belonging.
Kate McElderry is a programme director, teacher and international speaker specialising in neurodiversity, dyslexia and ADHD. She is co-author of Making a Mark! Discovering the Power of Neurodiversity on a Learning Safari.
Inspired by her own experiences, her students and time spent writing in Ireland, Declan Someone is her debut novella.
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ROCCO GIULIANO –
I must admit that I had no idea what to expect from Declan Someone.
My understanding of Irish tradition is limited to gauzy notions of leprechauns, druids and old folks dispensing wisdom to wide-eyed, tow-headed children.
As it turns out, there are no leprechauns in Katrin McElderry’s delightful novel, although, as if to compensate, there **are** shape-shifting seals among many other marvels.
Most importantly, there is no shortage of insights about how young people, and, in fact, humans of any age, can navigate life’s ups, downs, and diversions by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.
This is an essential lesson for all, but especially for the “neuro-divergents” among us whose so-called deficits can, with a little imagination and a dollop of wisdom, be transformed – in fact, shape-sifted – into magical portals to wondrous realms of power and positivity.
Rocco Giuliano
Investigative Documentarian
Blame It On Gutenberg
Susie Needle –
Declan Someone (The Journey of Declan Noone) is a delightful tale about a young man who has struggled with ADHD. In the process of spending a year in Ireland, back to his family’s roots, he discovers, among other things, that he is not alone as a neurodiverse learner and comes to be more accepting of himself and others.
Kate McKelderry is a gifted storyteller, weaving Declan’s experiences in Ireland into a charming story.
Mental Health Mom –
This coming-of-age tale beautifully captures
the nuanced journey of building confidence from within and
realizing one’s own potential. A must-read for any teen or
adolescent with ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety, who is
struggling to find where they fit in, Declan Someone is
relatable, validating, and inspirational with neurodiversity,
Irish culture, and complicated family dynamics woven
together naturally.
Elizabeth Cannon –
Declan Someone (The Journey of Declan Noone) is a helpful story to young adults thinking they are alone, stupid or incapable with an ADHD, neurodiverse diagnosis. It reads beautifully and the play with words and language is really fun for young adults and adults to read.” Liz Cannon, CCC SLP, teacher.
Edna –
In an authentic, energetic and enthusiastic voice, Kate McElderry’s Declan Someone tells a tale of awareness and alignment, healing and transforming, connection and community that is simultaneously ancient and modern, realistic and mystical. A joy to read!
Jean Escrow –
I absolutely loved this story. Very uplifting. Would recommend. (Foreshore Book Club member).
Charisse –
loved the vibes and settings – New York and Ireland. everything was beautifully written and got me very invested. A great read. Thanks to Foreshore Book club for the copy.
Fay Devon –
Got this from Foreshore’s book club list. What a fun read! This is the second YA novel I’ve read this year that has immediately hooked me and it’s really telling me that I need to read more YA books. I hope Kate McElderry publishes another book soon! love her style.
Jade Simons –
Thank you to the publisher for a book club copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was a lovely, fun ya book. outstanding writing and super interesting. The story is well thought out in my opinion and definitely one of the best ya books ive read so far.