A Heartsongs Collection: Heartsongs and Journey Through Heartsongs

by Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Mattie J. T. Stepanek takes us on a journey with more the full collection of his moving poems.

These poems share the rare wisdom that Mattie 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 was one of love and generosity and as a poet and a peacemaker, his desire was to bring his message of peace to as many people as possible.

Genres: Poetry

Audio Cassette

First published March 1, 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

[Rosario Juarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these pomes, I love how Mattie has been threw so much but still has faith and the way he shows it with is beautiful pomes.

[Roshini R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming collection of poetry by this gifted author, artist, and philosopher is divided into Senses, Seasons, and Celebrations. He shares such wonderful insights through words and art that are expressions of himself. Mattie began writing poetry at age three as a way to cope with a rare and debilitating form of muscular dystrophy. He started out just expressing feelings which his mother typed. I still marvel at how smart and perceptive he was for someone so young. Mattie’s heartsongs have touched me profoundly as I appreciate his perspective on life. I turn to his words of wisdom to cheer me or remind me how fortunate I am if I’m throwing myself a pity party. His words always leave a smile on my face. Students will respond to the simplicity and innocence in his poetry as well as the deeper meaning underlying them. It will also appeal to them because it is visually stunning. Mattie’s poetry can inspire them to create poetry and artwork based on some of the themes he explored.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this poetry book because it was created by a young boy through his short life (died right before 14) of living with muscular dystrophy. Even being so young he writes poems with inspiration, wit, and wisdom.