Heartsongs [Paperback]

Mattie J. T. Stepanek (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786888091 | ISBN-13: 978-0786888092 | Publication Date: January 21, 2002 | Edition: 1

Mattie J.T. Stepanek began writing poetry at the age of three. In ,Heartsongs, Mattie explores the uncensored reality of living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and with the grief associated with the loss of his three siblings to the same life-threatening condition. Heartsongs is a collection of the early poems and artwork of this gifted, courageous, award-winning poet.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Eleven-year-old Mattie Stepanek has been writing poetry and short stories since the age of three. In 1999 he was awarded the Melinda Lawrence International Book Award for inspirational written works by the Children's Hospice International. He has served as the Maryland State Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and in 2002 he will become the National Goodwill Ambassador. He lives with his mother Jeni, where he is home schooled.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: VSP Books/Hyperion; 1 edition (January 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786888091
• ISBN-13: 978-0786888092
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #244,961 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartsongs, September 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Heartsongs (Paperback)

You cannot believe this book and young 11 year old author. For his remarkable story see VSPbooks.com. Amazon has the best price, but his story is worth reading on VSP. I saw him on Book Talk show on c-Span Sept, 1st, and could not believe my ears and eyes. He is in Children's Hosp. in Maryland. His mom lives therE with him. She was diagnosed with a form of MD in 1992, Lost 2 children from it aT a young age, and now has 3 others who were also born with it. Mattie is the writer...mom does research and writes technical material, and is very well spoken, but it is the boy's command of the English Language and his self-expression that is nohing short of ASTOUNDING...read the book and weep....with joy and inspiration. There is no way of knowing how long he will live, nor his siblings, as it is progressive. Another book is coming out in Sept,

70 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, November 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Heartsongs (Paperback)

Mattie's wisdom is far beyond his years. What a gifted soul. Thank you, Mattie, for sharing your poetry with us. I wish you longevity and great happiness, and I look forward to reading more 'heartsongs' in the years to come. I also recommend a little book of wisdom by another young man who is wise beyond his years - "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold. Both Mattie and Taro are humble young sages with the faces of boys but the hearts of philosophers.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartsongs, August 12, 2001

By 

Lyn Mox (Lewes, DE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heartsongs (Paperback)

Mattie is an inspiration and the true peacemaker he aspires to be. I am so moved by the natural gift that he has been blessed with. While reading this collection of 20 poems, you have to keep reminding yourself that this was written when he was just 5 years old. Awesome!The life experience that this young man has had, rings through loud and clear in this collection of feelings. Children will love this book, and adults will be moved. Thank you to VSP books for giving us the gift of Mattie! Can't wait for more!