M. P. Barker

A Difficult Boy is "a great read for older children and adults," according to the Newburyport Public Library, and I'm always delighted to meet readers of all ages. I've done illustrated talks for a variety of groups, including schools, libraries, book clubs, historical societies, and professional organizations. If your organization or event is within a reasonable drive of Springfield, Massachusetts, I should be able to meet your group in person. If long-distance travel is involved, contact me about travel arrangements and speaking fees. Or we can talk long-distance via speaker phone or Internet chat at a pre-arranged date and time.

If you'd like me to visit your group, please contact me using the form at the bottom of this page.

For Book Clubs
Book clubs from young adults to senior citizens have selected A Difficult Boy as a favorite read. I will be happy to chat with your group (either in person or via phone or Internet chat) before and/​or after you've read the book. I will provide free bookmarks, postcards, and personalized book plates for each group member, and a 13"x19" autographed poster of the book's cover, which you can raffle off to a lucky club member.

For Bloggers and Online Book Reviewers
I'm always delighted to visit blogs to do an online interview, guest blog session, or virtual book tour. I can also provide bookmarks, autographed postcards, bookplates, posters and/​or books for blog contests. Please use the contact form at the bottom of this page to get in touch with me.

If you would like to review A Difficult Boy for your blog or book review page, most libraries can order a copy for you. If you can't obtain the book through your local library, please contact me for information about obtaining a review copy.

For Libraries
I'm available for author nights and reading groups for audiences of all ages. I can also arrange multi-author panels to talk about the writing and publishing process for interested readers or aspiring writers. A Difficult Boy's cross-generational appeal makes it a natural for parent-child book groups, and now that it's available in paperback, it's a perfect selection for community-wide reading projects. I'd be happy to work with you to design programming around the book. If your library has never done a "One Book/​One Community" program, you can find step-by-step instructions in the American Library Association's publication "Planning Your Community-wide Read" I will provide bookmarks, postcards, and posters which you can use to promote events and as hand-outs for attendees.

For Schools
A Difficult Boy has been used in classes ranging from middle school to college. The publisher has created a downloadable curriculum guide for middle-school readers. For older students, I'd be happy to work with teachers to create a program tailored to your curriculum needs. Programs can range from a simple Q&A session about the book to workshops about writing and historical research. I can also arrange multi-author panels to talk about historical research, writing, and/​or the publishing process. Contact me for details about programs and pricing.

For Homeschoolers
A Difficult Boy is appropriate for readers age ten and up. Younger readers can relate to Ethan, who is nine, while older readers will empathize with Daniel, who is sixteen. The publisher has created a downloadable curriculum guide. I'd be happy to set up an in-person meeting, phone, or Internet chat for groups of ten or more homeschoolers.

For Booksellers
I'm always happy to visit bookstores to do talks and signings. If you're too far away for me to visit in person, I'm happy to send you signed bookplates, International Reading Association award stickers, bookmarks, postcards and/​or posters to help you promote the book in your store.

If your bookstore has a reading group, I will be happy to chat with them (either in person or via phone or Internet chat) before and/​or after they've read the book. I can also arrange multi-author panels to talk about the writing and publishing process for interested readers or aspiring writers.

For Historical Societies and Museums
Looking for a speaker for event programming? I always enjoy visiting historic sites and meeting fellow historians. I will be happy to provide your organization with bookmarks, postcards, and posters to promote the event.

If your organization has a gift shop or bookstore, please consider carrying A Difficult Boy. I will be happy to provide you with promotional materials (bookmarks, award stickers, posters, bookplates) that you can use in your store.

For Clubs and Other Organizations
I've spoken for a variety of groups ranging from church groups to professional organizations. If you're looking for a guest speaker for event programming, please contact me using the form at the bottom of this page. I will be happy to provide your organization with bookmarks, postcards, and posters to promote the event.

For Book Festival, Conference, and Event Planners
I'm available as a conference speaker, either as a panelist or a solo presenter. I will be happy to provide your organization with bookmarks, postcards, and posters to promote the event. I can also help you arrange multi-author panels to talk about the writing and publishing process. Contact me for details about topics and speaking fees.