Welcome Teachers & Librarians!

Invite me to speak at your middle school, high school, or library! I love to connect with young readers and writers.

I can talk about creative writing, publishing, and my experiences growing up in a diplomatic family during the Cold War. My young adult historical thrillers, which are appropriate for grades 6-9, are great for supplementing ELA and Social Studies curriculums and come with free, downloadable Teacher Guides. 

"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."

–Eighth-grade ELA teacher 

Author Visits

I can adapt the following themes as short, powerful presentations for assemblies or as classroom-sized discussions that include brainstorming and creative activities:

Diary of a Cold War Kid: How I grew up at U.S. embassies in the Soviet Union and other authoritarian countries, surrounded by secrets and spies, and how my experiences reflected the development of the Cold War and shaped the stories 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.

Patrick with the members of a young authors group at a public library.

They're Free!

I don’t charge for author visits. I love connecting with young readers and writers, and consider it a public service to share my knowledge, skills, and experience with them. All I ask is that you help me reach young readers who will enjoy and benefit from my books by promoting them to families, displaying copies in your library or classrooms, and suggesting them to students most likely to be interested. Check out my Author Visit Agreement for details and contact me to schedule a visit!

Teacher Guides

The Books

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 from Ingram, major retailers, and direct from the publisher. Direct orders are eligible for educational discounts. 

Free companion ebook!

You and your students will receive this free companion ebook to Back in the USSR that contains additional behind-the-scenes portrayals of life from the Cold War.

  • "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

What Young People 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. I also love the intertwining of the history of the USSR, Cold War, and The Beatles.”
    -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”

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What Parents Say

  • “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

  • "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

  • “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

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From a Song to a Story: Watch this short video about my writing process!