Journey Through Heartsongs

by Mattie J.T. Stepanek, Jimmy Carter (Foreword by)

Mattie J.T. Stepanek takes us on a Journey Through Heartsongs with more of his moving poems. These poems share the rare wisdom that Mattie has acquired through his struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and the death of his three siblings from the same disease. His life view is one of love and generosity and as a poet and a peacemaker, his desire is to bring his message of peace to as many people as possible.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Childrens, Literature

80 pages, Hardcover

First published September 27, 2001

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

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry book is required reading for my children's Tae Kwondo Black Belt Test. It amazing that it was written by an 11 year old boy who had MD. His poetry shows insight into the "big picture" and is more than many adults I know! My 11 year old son and I just finished reading this. He read out loud to me and then we would discuss the poems. The author, Mattie J.T. Stepanek just passed away a few months ago, which made these poems speak even more to my son.

[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. ABOUT ANGELS
2. FUTURE ECHO
3. THE TIGER FIGHTS A DRAGON IN THE PURPLE SUN
4. PIRATE CANDY
5. BEWARE OF THE EVER-WOLF
6. AT LONG LAST
7. THE LEFT-OVER CHILD
8. ANNIVERSARY REFLECTIONS
9. INTENSIVE SENSE
10. THE HOLDING-ON FAMILY

[Liz Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may not make a ton of sense, but I read this book for a star trek podcast

[hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good. i liked the poetry. i also liked learning mattie’s story as i knew nothing about him. the art inside was cute. it was emotional as well. i’d recommend!

[Danielle Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of poetry written by a kid for kids and adults. 'Journey Through Heartsongs' was written by a boy who went through a lot of love and heartache in his short life and in this collection, one can read about all of his reflections while reflecting on your own life. This is sure to inspire others towards writing their own poetry and is a beautiful example of how one can make a difference just by the words that they write.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey through Heartsongs is one of those books that you notice it is small and without second guessing, you grab it. You’re hoping for a quick, pointless read.

Although, this book is one of the most touching and inspirational books that anyone will ever read. Mattie J.T. Stepnick started his writing at age three and touches many people's lives. He went through many problems in his life, but somehow managed to keep a positive outlook on life. Through thick and thin, Mattie always found a way to write a poem in a optimistic way.

Each page is a separate story and a short poem. His lowest poem was two sentences, but yet he made it such a deep message. The takeaway of Journey through Heartsongs was one of the most important takeaways I have ever had from any book. Even the 600 some page book I read did not have as much of a deepness to it.

My favorite poem he wrote is named “Philosophy Glass” and it reads
Some people see a glass
With some water in it and say,
“Oh yes, that glass is half full!”
Some people see a glass
With some water in it and say,
“Oh no, that glass is half empty!”
I hope that I am one of the
People who is always able to
Look at each of my glasses and
See them as at least half full.
That’s very important in life,
Because if you live feeling like
Your glass is half empty, well,
It may as well be empty all the way.
May 1997

It is evident that Mattie has a positive outlook on life and that was just in only one of his poems. Each and every one of Mattie’s 55 short poems, have a very important message to them and leave you thinking about your life often. It is a amazing book and I strongly recommend that everyone can read his book or at least some of his poems in their lifetime!

[Stephanie Littig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie was only 11 years old when his book of poetry was published. These poems are about courage, war, love, and living with muscular dystrophy. Just an absolute beautiful book of poems by a child who has taken his illness in stride. My favories are Faces of Faith, Climbing to Heaven, and Eternal Echoes but they are all beautful. This is such a beautiful book.

[Alison Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we could all use some hope right now. Mattie started writing poetry at the age of three. I am not sure I could even speak in full sentences at the age of three. I would have to ask my oldest brother. He might remember. Mattie was amazing.

[Barbara Wolhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

My journey, so far

Thanks Mattie for sharing your heart songs with me, this was my first experience with your work. I look forward to the pleasure of the rest. It's a gift that I will enjoy again and again.

[Bethany Stiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

it wasnt bad.

[Emma Lipscomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good short poetry novel. Talks a lot about God.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

same review as Heartsongs

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book but feeling very sad for you.

[Rhonda Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overwhelming to know that these poems were written by an 11 year old. Very deep poems. Ones that really touched me were The Vietnam Wall and Watches.

[JL Salty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read over the course of two weeks to curate collection for 7th grade poetry project.

[adeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

my heart aches. it was beautiful. no tears left to cry

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is bittersweet. I cried both happy and sad tears while reading it.

[Blanca Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly beautiful poetry written by a kid who suffered most of his life with muscular distrophy. Mattie passed away in 2004 at the age of 13. His poems or heart songs as he calls them, are very cute, full of unconditional love, gratitude, and wisdom. His poems are also full of wonder. The kind of wonder only a little kid can have. Many of his poems are beautiful conversations with God. Mattie despite of his terrible disease, loved life and was full of love, peace, hope and gratitude. He called himself a poet and a Peace maker. Mattie lived in the present moment, and was able to see beauty in everything. He was able to appreciate all the little things and all the little moments. In this sacred communion poetry came to his heart and with the help of his mom started writing his first poems at the age of three.
Despite his short life, Mattie's dreams came true. His books of heart songs got published and became best sellers. He appeared on TV, met famous people including President Jimmy Carter, and Oprah. Through his heart songs and his interviews on TV Mattie touched millions of people. His message of peace and love is still out there and will continue to touch and inspire people around the world.
I am very happy I had the opportunity to read his books. If you want to know more about Mattie, Google or find in YouTube "Mattie J. T. Stepanek"

[Lisa Veien-Vaith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie is a talented writer even at that young age - he is wiser than most adults. This is the sweetest, most touching book. I loved it! I wish he was still with us to teach us more.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known about Mattie's book for quite some time and have seen it on the shelves and finally picked it up, knowing that before the back cover closed, I would have teared up several times--grieving for this little angel named Mattie and for all the other "Jerry's kids" who suffered and continue to suffer from neuromuscular diseases--including a few I had known in my lifetime, having grown up in a world knowing children with neuromuscular disease. I started the book, I was surprised that many of the poems weren't too sad. They were sweet and cute---simply the work of a little child who is filled with a lot of love. I was surprised that I made it to page 14, without any sadness---Mattie seemed like any other kid through his poems and in many ways--and in his heartsong he was. Page 14 is the poem "Future Echo" about Mattie swinging. It ends with Mattie acknowledging that he will die. It is sad to know that a little boy of 9 lived under circumstances that caused him to ponder his mortality so thoroughly and so consistently. The poem made me sad, but the subsequent drawing by Mattie on page 15 made me smile. I could hear the children he drew singing and laughing. The poems thereafter were not too hard on my heart, Mattie wrote of pirate candy--black jelly beans, snowmen, werewolves, world peace, God and love. Page 30 quickly became a waterfest, with Mattie's poem "The Left-Over Child." In the poem Mattie writes about the fact that his parents had and buried 3 other children who also died of neuromuscular disease and so he was their "leftover" child, because he "Mattie is the left-over child, All alone with the parents of dead children." (He was 8 or 9 when he wrote this.) Page 31,32, 33, and 34 were poems about Mattie and his brother Jamie, who he was able to spend a couple of years being a living brother to. It ends with the poem "Never-ever Story" which ends "With a Jamie dying and a Mattie crying, And on and on like that Ever- and After-after." Mattie was about 3 or 4 when he worth that poem. Mattie's poetry book isn't all sad, though, it is full of hope. (Mattie was able to live longer than his siblings due to advances in medicine. I pray they continue.) Many of Mattie's poem are hopeful, like "The Holding-On Family" where Mattie states that he and his Mommy with hold on to each other forever and never let go. He sees his family as a holy family, praying together and being a holding-on family forever. What a beautiful goal to aspire to and one I will try to accomplish with my own family. This is a wonderful book, written by one of God's angels who lit up the world with his heartsong and who will continue to inspire others even as he has gone to live in Heaven with is two brothers, Jamie and Stevie and sister, Katie.
It is a very inspiring little book written by an Angel of a child, who suffered much during his time on Earth, but who never lost faith in God and love for God. Mattie is a true hero, champion, poet, peacemaker, and angel that I will never forget and that I will certainly "look up to" for guidance and strength in my own worldly trials and tribulations. *The drawing Mattie did were absolutely adorable--I really liked his traced hand and the fact that I was able to place my hand on his.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing to me that this young boy had such a profound sense of himself and the world around him. I have several favorite poems in this collection:
Prayer for a Journey
About the Author
A Handful of Mattie (such a clever and beautiful poem and illustration)
Philosophy Glass (I hope to be more optimistic myself and view my glass as half full)
On Being a Champion

The followig poems are so heart-wrenching, yet they are so powerful when you stope to thing about how aware and how wise Mattie was at ages 3, 5, and 6 years:
The Left-Over Child
Unanswered Questions
Anniversary Reflections

Just wow! I remember when Mattie's books were fisrt published and his story gained momentum after his appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show...I knew of him, but never really took the time to listen. He is an amazing individual and left an indelible marek on our world.

[Crystal Berdion · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful testament to trials and hardships that we face in life! I've been in love with Mattie's writing since I was a child. When I was ten or eleven years old I received one of his books as a birthday present and I've cherished it ever since.

This book was no different, the portrait he paints of God and his creation is a thing of absolute beauty. But what really broke me was his writing on his brother and sister, his desire to play with them and swing up to heaven to visit them left me utterly heartbroken.

If there's one thing I could take away from this book, it would be to strive towards seeing the beauty in everyday life.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

This is a book of poetry written by a little boy who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. In his poems he talks about losing his three older siblings, who also suffered and died from the same condition that he has. He also talks about heaven, and being thankful, and about growing up.

How I would use this book with students:
You would not be able to read all of these poems aloud because; a lot of them have religious values. However, I would pick a few like “Kindergarten-itis” where he talks about his stuffed animals not liking his school bus to read aloud.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all of Mattie's books, this seems to be one of the sadest. I'm sure Mattie did not intend for it to be, however, most of his writings were focused on his brothers and sister who had already died. It seemed so natural and easy for Mattie to express his belief in Heaven and hope of seeing them again someday. He movingly writes about life and death, love and loss, faith and hope, innocence and joy. A true hero in my eyes.

[Sam Shaneybrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey Through Heartsongs is a collection of poems by a young boy suffering from muscular dystrophy. These collections of poems are for intermediate readers ages 8 and up. The poem that truly inspires me in this collection is "On Growing Up (Part V)". This poem is about all the people in the world, the differences, and how we need to come together and live as one family. Truly inspiring poems with hand painted pictures, I would recommend this poem and the all of the rest to anyone who reads.

[Elyana Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Journey Through Heartsongs is an awesome book. The author Mattie J.T. is a great writer he was born with some kind of disease and he knows he is going to die, this is what makes the book more interesting. Mattie write about things that have happened in his life and things that he knows will happen. I really recommend this book even if you don't like poetry I swear you will fall in love with this book. If you are the kind of person who likes sad stories I recommend this book.

[Tonia Christle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Mattie's poetry, and I feel like Journey Through Heartsongs gives readers a bit more of an in-depth sense of Mattie as a person - of who he's growing into at this point in time. There are still the poems he wrote as a little child. But there's a burgeoning maturity here, evident both due to getting older, but also coping with so many traumas in Mattie's young life. It all influenced his writing.

[Andrea Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie was one of the most beautiful humanbeings on the planet and his spirit lives on in his poetry! Mattie reminds us through his poetry that we need to remember to listen to our own heartsongs and the only way to peace in this world is to follow those songs. Love is the answer. Thank you Mattie

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am amazed at the strength and understanding this young boy had about life. So uplifting and at the same time my heart ached knowing Mattie and his siblings all lost their fight with the disease they were born with. What I love most about his poems were their pure nature and exploration of our thoughts and feelings regarding loss of loved ones. Great read, but keep the tissue box nearby.

[Giaaaaa(; · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite phrase in the whole book is, "Life is a miracle."
I LOVEEEEEE this phrase because first of all, it's true, and second of all, it puts everything into perspective. Life really is a miracle, even if we don't treat it like one. It makes me be thankful for everything. I HOPE IT MAKES YOU TOO!(: