Welcome Teachers & Librarians!

I love to visit middle schools and high schools and connect with young readers! Invite me to your school, library, or club to speak about creative writing, research, or my experiences growing up at embassies during the Cold War. My novels can also supplement ELA and Social Studies curriculums. Read on to learn more about author visits, my books, and teacher guides you can download for free. 

AUTHOR VISITS

I can adapt any of the following topics for large groups, as short, powerful presentations that spark creativity, or for small groups, that include discussion, brainstorming, and/or writing activities:

From a Song to a Story: My writing process and inspirations, with the message that everyone has a story inside them that reflects them uniquely. 

A Zillion Ways to Be a Writer: My own journey to becoming an author, from journalism to academics to poetry to novels, and the many paths open to young people for writing and publishing today.

How to Build a Story: How I use research to discover history, bring it to life, and construct a rich world for my stories. 

Diary of a Cold War Kid: My experiences growing up at embassies in authoritarian countries during the Cold War and how they shaped my books.  

I can work with you to adapt my presentations for your readers and curriculum. I don’t currently charge for single program visits, but I do ask that you promote my books to students and families as part of the visit. I live in Massachusetts and can visit locations in-person in the Greater Boston area, and virtually beyond it.

My recent author visits have included a public school assembly for eighth graders, a public library young authors group for ages 10-14, and a Czech heritage extracurricular program for high schoolers. 

For a sample of what I sound like, check out my interview on the award-winning Cold War Conversations podcast. 

"Patrick's presentation to our 8th grade students about his writing process and inspiration for writing was captivating. Our students now know that we all have the power of storytelling residing inside of us, stemming from our personal experiences and perspectives."
-Nathan Saveriano, 8th Grade ELA Teacher, Cambridge Public Schools 

THE SING & SHOUT THRILLER SERIES

Back in the USSR was named a Middle Grade/YA Semifinalist for the Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize. It follows two fourteen-year-olds — Harrison, the daydreaming son of American diplomats, and Prudence, the fearless daughter of foreign correspondents — as they race against spies and mobsters to recover a priceless vinyl record that just might save the world. 

Strawberry Fields follows Josie and Laurent, two journalists caught in the Soviet invasion of Prague, who receive a cryptic message concealed inside a song and must uncover a shadowy conspiracy before the city falls. It is a prequel to Back in the USSR; Josie and Laurent become Prudence’s parents.

Both books offer unique perspectives on the Cold War, a period of history key to understanding current events. They throw light on the power of music and literature to fight oppression and feed the human spirit. They provide historical context for conflicts and censorship happening around the world today. And they highlight themes of friendship, family, and trust that resonate with teens.

Back in the USSR and Strawberry Fields are available to purchase from Ingram, major retailers, and direct from the publisher. Direct orders are eligible for educational discounts. 

"A gripping read with a satisfying ending, set during the 1968 Prague Spring and the brutal Soviet crackdown. I’ve never been to Prague but I felt like I was there … Strawberry Fields is an entertaining (and historically informative!) prequel to Back in the USSR. Both books cleverly integrate Beatles’ songs and literary references against a backdrop of Cold War intrigue. I look forward to more books in this series.
–Jennifer Roderick, Content Producer for the Emmy award-winning High School Quiz Show on PBS 

DOWNLOAD THE TEACHER GUIDES

Back in the USSR | Strawberry Fields 

CONTACT ME

Contact me with any questions, to discuss rates or schedule an author visit, or to request free copies of The Double White Dossier, my short story companion to Back in the USSR. 

WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE & PARENTS SAY

“Harrison and Pru are in deep. 'Back In The USSR' is a fantastic book that includes all sorts of angles at life under soviet rule. I liked how everyone in this book was different, diverse, and realistic. A well-weaved story.” -Middle schooler	“This was an amazing and very exciting book about friendship and trust! This book was very adventurous and I couldn’t put it down! I would highly recommend!” -Middle schooler
“I love every single part of this book and it just got me off of my seat and kept me pumped on what was on the next page. The book itself is written so constructively and thoroughly, with the main characters Harrison and Pru, I feel in my opinion they were written so whole-heartedly and in depth with passion. I also love the intertwining of the history of the USSR, Cold War, and The Beatles were put in perfectly with each other inside the book.” -Middle schooler	“I love historical books and mysteries, but I’ve never really read both in one book! This book is more than I can imagine, with twists and turns all keeping me hooked!” -Ten-year-old “advanced reader”  “My middle school daughter and I read Back in the USSR and both loved it. Rich characters, exciting plot, and unexpected twists. Great read for both young adults and adults, fun to discuss with teens. Highly recommend!” -Parent
The fast pace of the book is perfect for readers of any age and will instantly appeal to the needs of my teens! Manageable chapter lengths allow for the reader to easily transition from one chapter to the next creating a rhythm of their own while naturally building momentum. There is extensive history woven through the fabric of the book at just the right balance. I found myself being informed about the culture and climate during the Soviet era while being left with a desire to dig deeper into several of the topics.” -Teacher & parent	“Patrick Joyce's novel is intriguing, nerdy and a page-turner. My now 12 year-old liked reading it for the historical piece about Cold War Russia and the Beatles trivia, both of which he is actively accumulating for his memory bank …  I loved reading about the life of a diplomat in Russia and can really see where Joyce's own experiences of growing up in that world came through, loud and clear. As a family, this book also sparked some great conversations about geopolitical issues concerning Russia and "the West" in the 1980s that I'm not always sure gets covered in the same way in middle school these days. A wonderful book for young and old alike!” -Parent