In her debut novel, Declan Someone (The Journey of Declan Noone), author Kate McElderry delves into themes of belonging and neurodiversity through the lens of a young man in search of roots, self-worth, and identity. Through a mystical journey spanning New York to Ireland, Declan learns about the transformative power of shapeshifting.

Join us at The Ivy Bookshop for a book launch celebrating Declan Someone, featuring the author in conversation with Martha Sweeney!

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

About the Guests:

Kate McElderry has spent three decades in education serving students with ADHD and dyslexia. This, combined with the author’s own lived experience with neurodiversity, help inform McElderry’s writing. The main setting of her debut novel Declan Someeone—the Irish coast—is a huge source of inspiration for McElderry, who completed the novel as a writer-in-residence in Sligo, Ireland.

Martha Sweeney, CCC SLP, is a highly esteemed educational leader, consultant, and the former Head of The Odyssey School in Baltimore County. She is a passionate advocate for language and literacy, social-emotional learning, and neuroeducation. (She was also Kate McElderry’s administrator and mentor for over 15 years.)