Welcome Teachers & Librarians!
Invite me to speak at your school or library, in-person or virtually! I love to connect with young readers and writers, and I don't charge speaking fees. All I ask is that you promote my books to the families in your community and purchase copies for your library or classrooms. Check out my Author Visit Agreement for details and contact me to schedule a visit!
"I loved it, it was very exciting!"
"I enjoyed writing about the way a song made me feel"
"I like how he tried to hear from everyone about their perspectives"
"I enjoyed learning about how to become a spy and decrypting the backward music and messages"
"I liked talking about the power of music since I really resonate with music cause it's in my soul"
"Thank you for coming to our school and giving us the best time!"
–Boston Public Schools 7th & 8th graders
Author Visit Themes
Choose from the following themes, for short, powerful, assembly-style presentations, or classroom-sized discussions with creative activities:
Diary of a Cold War Kid: How my experiences growing up at U.S. embassies reflected the Cold War and inspired my books. We listen to songs, discuss the Cold War and the role music played in resisting oppression, and put students' spy skills to the test using cryptic recordings just like the characters in my books. (Best for 7th-9th graders studying aspects of the Cold War in social studies or English classes.)
From a Song to a Story: How music inspired my novels, and how young writers can use their personal connections to favorite songs to tap into their own powerful reserves for inspiration and storytelling. We listen to a few songs, discuss music, and put students' spy skills to the test using cryptic recordings, just like the characters in my books. (Best for 6th-9th graders with any level of creative writing experience, including none at all.)
How to Build a Story: How I layer historical research, classic tales, and my own interests to construct a rich world for my books — and how young storytellers can create worlds for stories too using their own interests, experiences, and perspectives. Includes a world-building exercise to get students' creativity flowing. (Best for 7th-9th graders with some creative writing experience.)
The Sing & Shout Thrillers: A discussion with students who have read one or more of my books, about the stories, characters, themes, and historical contexts, tailored to your curriculum.
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.
Virtual Visit Introduction: A short, informal introduction to me and my books followed by Q&A.
"Patrick's presentation 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."
–Cambridge Public Schools 8th-grade ELA teacher
Free Resources for Educators
Each of the novels in the Sing & Shout Thrillers is an exciting, high-interest read with an accessible reading level and exceptional educational value for grades 6 to 9. They're great for book clubs, classrooms, and all-school/community reads. They can be read together (either book first!) or as standalone books.
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Back in the USSR Educator's Guide
Loaded with discussion questions and activities for grades 6 to 9
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Strawberry Fields Educator's Guide
Loaded with discussion questions and activities for grades 6 to 9
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"The Double White Dossier"
A companion ebook that goes behind the scenes of Back in the USSR. Free copies for students!
"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 PBS's Emmy-award-winning High School Quiz Show