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Winner of the 2025 An Post Irish Book Awards' International Education Services Teen & YA Book of the Year
A lyrical YA verse novel about a teenager’s journey to heal from heartbreak, rediscover her inner strength, and find harmony again – perfect for readers who love emotional, empowering coming-of-age stories.
Daisy can feel like a solo act at home. On the outside of her twin brothers’ intense relationship, she leans towards her parents, particularly her father, for support. As a passionate classical musician, she is not wildly popular at school, but she has one close friend and a life filled with musical performance. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her, and Daisy is left disconnected from her one true love, music.
When she makes a new friend at school, mysterious Flora, Daisy finds a glimmer of peace in her chaotic life. Just as everything seems to be getting better, they all fall apart. Family tensions heighten as Daisy’s dad falls ill and Daisy needs to decide should she find her way back to who she was or look towards who she is going to become.
A Children's Book Council Teacher's Favorite
"A tightly written, incredibly well-characterized work: bravo." Kirkus (STARRED), A Best Teen & YA Verse Novel of 2025
"Such a powerful beautiful exquisite book!" Fully Booked Kirkus podcast
"If you’re in the mood for a healing read – look no further." Paper Lanterns Magazine
"Solo is a triumph. I absolutely adore it." Donal Ryan
"Expect to see this book on a shortlist or two." The Irish Times
"Solo is a deeply affecting novel that will leave you rooted to the floor, I loved it." LoveReading4Kids
"Grainne O’Brien examines the often-tumultuous lives of teenagers: at the mercy of strong new feelings, helplessly self-centered, confused and frustrated by their own and others’ thoughts and deeds. She also looks at the open-heartedness and determination of young people to embrace their talents and passions and thus travel along that road which takes them to who they are and who they will become. Equally as powerfully, she uses the shape and organisation of her prose to represent music in its many moods, paralleling them with what Daisy is experiencing. This unusual and accomplished book is a fast and furious read, threaded through with a healthy dose of timely wisdom." Books for Keeps