Heartsongs

by Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Now available in hardcover, a special gift edition with 16 pages of new poems and illustrations, the national bestseller that introduced millions of people to Mattie J.T. Stepanek.

Mattie J.T. Stepanek has made several appearances on Oprah, and has also been a guest on Good Morning America, Prime Time Live, National Public Radio, and Book TV, and has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, and People.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Childrens, Inspirational

48 pages, Hardcover

Published August 27, 2002

About the author

Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, known as Mattie Stepanek, was an American poet, who had six books of poetry and one book of essays all reach The New York Times bestsellers list. He became a peace advocate and motivational speaker, and lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of peace, people with disabilities, and children with life-threatening conditions.

Stepanek suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, that resulted in his death a month before his 14th birthday. His sister and two brothers also died from the disease during early childhood, and his mother, Jeni Stepanek, has the adult form, diagnosed only after all four of her children were born.

Reviews

[Marit.W15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! I loved to hear how the young author wrote the book. Very Good!!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching and heartwarming.

I used this for the 2021 PopSugar challenge prompt a book in a format different than what you normally read.

Recommend for all ages including children, since it was written by a child, fans of poetry, and those (like me) who don't read much poetry but want to delve into it a little. Very fast read, can be read in one sitting.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We can all stand to be humbled by Mattie, who at such a tender age had to learn more about life than most people ever come to learn. Such an old soul he was and I think of him often. This is his 1st collection. Journey through Heartsongs and Hope through Heartsongs are actually my favorites. Read them to your kids!

[Lorna Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own the little paperback first edition of this book, and I wouldn't part with it! It contains poems written by Mattie from the time he was two-years old. And they are AMAZING! He was truly an 'old soul' - wise beyond his years.

I've shared these with children and adults alike, and everyone loves them. So will you!

[Thuhienho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the whole book since I could not find it any where near here in Vietnam. However I read some piece of poems on newspapers and totally love it. This book is worth to read to have a fresh and positive view on everything in our daily life. Hope that one day I could buy one

[Kim Lanza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I echo the sentiments of many other readers who loved these poems. The Eye of the Beholder and Important Things are two favorites.

Whenever possible, I like to use kid-writing as a model for students - even more so with poetry. This is good one to tuck away for future use as mentor texts.

[Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie J.T. Stepanek is an amazing poet and peacemaker. His poetry has inspired many people, including me. Mattie's poetry speaks deeply about challenges and hard times, but is also playful and happy. I LOVED this book!

[Georgina Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving collection of poems from a young peace activist. Mattie's verses filled with stars, flowers and rainbows are interwoven with verses about dancing after storms and contemplating mortality. These poems teach us all how to celebrate all the special things in life. This poetry collection is great for all readers! Also recommended for anyone working with patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in all hospitals. The author's observations on his situations can be soothing for child patients that feel anxious or afraid of their own mortality. My favorite poems from this collection are the following titles:

1. VERY SPECIAL CANDY
2. WHEN MY FEET ITCH
3. ON THE MOUNTAIN OF TREE-STARS
4. THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
5. ON BEING THANKFUL

[Emily Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, I remembered a childhood memory of my
mother reading the entire “Heartsongs” series by Mattie J. T. Stepanek. I remembered how sad she was when he passed away. I found the entire series at my local library, and thought that I would give it a shot (I’m not a huge poetry fan myself.)

I found these poems by Mattie to be all encompassing of what our world needs right now. Peace, hope, love, light, friendship, understanding, and compassion. I thought that every single poem was sweet and endearing. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desde el momento en que lo compré sabia que me rompería en mil pedazos pero no me arrepiento de haberle leído y cuánto sano al mismo tiempo con su poesía.
Esta es la frase que jamás podré olvidar
Muchas gracias
Sea quien sea, y ocurra lo que ocurra,
siempre amaré a mi cuerpo y a mi mente,
aunque tenga capacidad diferentes
a los cuerpos u lentes de otras personas.
Siempre seré feliz, porque
siempre seré yo mismo. 🪽🩵

[Jennifer]

Abstaining from rating this because I did not realize when I got it that these are by a child. My expectations were drastically different, and I was not expecting things like "magical big boy underwear." So for me, not great. But for an elementary school classroom? Perfect intro to poetry, with a bonus of a gateway talk to disabilities and inclusion.

[Robby Owen]

This is a very well written poetry book, especially for being written by a child. The poems are very reader friendly and are very short to keep the readers attention. It was also written by a child who has disabilities and can teach kids that even they can write good poetry and also people with disabilities can do the same.

[Erin Gower · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of poetry by a big-hearted boy who lost his life way too early at the age of thirteen. Dinosaurs, hearts, and the changing of time fills the pages. If you read this as an adult and are looking for something profound, you may or may not find it. I saw a little boy who did not take the life he was given for granted and knew how to express himself. And I'm better for it.

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book of poems written by an 11 year old boy with MS.

Mattie learned more about life in his short time on this planet than most people.

His poems are deeply moving and thoughtful.

It was a treat to read such a loving and peaceful book written by a child.

[Blanca Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring poems and paintings of an 11 year old kid who in much of his life had to battle with muscular dystrophy. His poetry is beautiful.

[Amanda Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth a read. Impressive poems considering his youth. Some were extremely poignant and written by Mattie at age 4. His poem Heartsongs was particularly touching.

[Shelby Heikkinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute little book. Anyone of any age could read this. It's not inappropriate.

[Martha Highfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems by 11-year old Mattie who has mitochondrial myopathy. He has found joy in living, nature, others, and God. 26 pages of poetry.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book! It really touched my heart. Almost cried while reading. He wrote very lovely poems.

[Lindsay Johnson]

Heartsongs by Mattie J.T. Stepanek, is a book of poems written by the author [Mattie] who lives with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. The poems range from the struggle of living with MD, to hopefulness, to poems that are easily relatable to children. One poem in the book I found that I think young learners could relate to is this:
Night-Light Magic:
Last night,
My mommy forgot
To turn on my night-light.
I was scared,
So I called her.
Mommy turned on the light,
And then she kissed me,
And tucked me in again.
And then,
I was a golden head in the night.
That is when I’m a little boy,
Between and Angel,
And a Wild Thing.
This book could be used as part of a poetry unit to model to students different types of poetry there is.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though some of the poems seem appropriately childish- he began writing with the help of his mom- at 2 or 3 years old, the poems make you feel. It seems to make our health-filled lives very easy compared to the life of a chld who suffered much pain and suffering, but kept his mind and spirit on the highest goals of being human and relating to angels and rainbows and butterflies. The poems about the loss of his brothers and sister are so touching! He really makes you think that 1 extremely positive voice in this discordant world can make a difference.

[Erin Reale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartsongs by Mattie J.T Stepanek is a wonderful book written by an 11 year old who sadly passed away in 2004. Each poem contains elements of hope, love or friendship. As Mattie deals with the reality that he is dying, his poetry explore living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. This book is innocent and filled with wisdom beyond his years. I would recommend this book to anyone going through a tough time, but the poem may pertain to a younger audience

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry written and illustrated by a young boy with muscular dystrophy, who would later die of the disease. It's remarkably good for an eleven-year-old, and certainly more hopeful than one would expect for a kid who knows he's dying. I don't know that I would recommend it necessarily, unless you have a kid who wants to write; it's a good way of showing them that they can do it. Anyway, I hope Mattie Stepanek rests in peace, knowing he was a pretty decent poet.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little boy had knowledge far greater than his years- he had muscular dystrophy, and was on the telethons. That's where I first heard of him.

Sad that his life was shortened by this disease, he had much more he could teach us about life, living, and survival.

WOW--his poems will blow you away.

[Susan Girard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Mattie Stepanek was an amazing, intuitive, charming lad and Soul who came to this Earth with a definitive role and he did not disappoint. He fulfilled his purpose and then some, striking in the hearts of those he touched with his magic and wisdom. He came from the Heaven's, delivered his message and left with grace...thank you Matthew Joseph Thaddeus.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My interest in Mattie Stepanek was renewed when I watched the farewell episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show a few weeks ago. What a beautiful soul that child is. My favorite poems from this collection are "Circle of Happiness" and "On Being Thankful."

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon, Frank, No and Mo got me this book for Christmas, and although it's a very short read, I really want to savor it. I'm only going to read one poem a day, because honestly they move me to tears each time. This book will ALWAYS be in my classrooms.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

his idea is lovely
and honor

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

so many of these poems are beyond his years.

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful words from the heart of a dying child who is making each day in his short life count. An inspiration to us all.