Journey Through Heartsongs [Hardcover]

Mattie J.T. Stepanek (Author)

Book Description

The award winning poetry of 11-year-old Mattie Stepanek has touched the lives of many people. Mattie has written movingly and courageously about life and death, love and loss, faith and hope, innocence and joy. His struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy has given him wisdom and insight that has moved and inspired everyone from small children to our nation's leaders

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... (his) poetry reflects a heart and mind that soar beyond his 11 years..." -- Jerry Lewis

"...Mattie has become a teacher whose words make the wisdom and beauty of creation available to us all..." -- Bernie Seigal

About the Author

Eleven-year-old Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, best known as "Mattie," has been authoring poetry and short stories since age three. Some of his works explore his uncensored reality of living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and the grief associated with the loss of his three siblings to the same life-threatening condition. However, most of his expressions proclaim the innocent hope, profound wisdom, and delightful humor of childhood. Mattie's poems have been published in a variety of mediums, and he has been an invited speaker or Keynote for several seminars, conferences, and television shows. In 1999, he was awarded the Melinda Lawrence International Book Award for inspirational written works, by the Children's Hospice International. In addition to writing, Mattie enjoys reading, collecting rocks and shells, and playing with Legos. He has earned a Black Belt in Martial Arts, and serves as the Maryland State Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He lives in Upper Marlboro, MD with his mother, Jeni, where he is home schooled

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: VSP Books; 1 edition (September 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189362210X
• ISBN-13: 978-1893622104
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,132,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poetry to lift your Spirit and change your outlook on life, November 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Journey Through Heartsongs (Hardcover)

Mattie Stepanek is an amazing young man. At 11 years old, his wisdom far exceeds his years and is reflected in his poetry. Mattie began writing poems (with his mother as scribe) at the age of three and describes himself as "Poet and Peacemaker." He stimulates the reader to examine the really important things in life ... to embrace life. Mattie also illustrated the book with wonderful storytelling finger paintings. With the challenges he has faced in his short life, it is amazing that he has such a mature, wise and positive attitude. Your appreciation of this young man and his work will be greatly enhanced if you should have the good fortune to hear him speak.

113 of 124 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A journey through A Journey Through Heartsongs, October 13, 2001

By 

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

This review is from: Journey Through Heartsongs (Hardcover)

What a wonderful Journey Mattie's book is. The color and simplicity of the illustrations, the set up and flow of the chapters, and the incredible words of his poetry are just an amazing package. Mattie's vision is such a pleasure, and his way of expressing himself a true gift. Looking forward to more works from this incredible young man.
Thank you Mattie J. T. Stepanek for opening up your poetry and sharing it with the world!

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TOUCHING AND SENSITIVE!, November 2, 2001

By 

Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books" (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Journey Through Heartsongs (Hardcover)

The book contains poetry written by young man far wiser than his youthful years. At his young age, Mattie has written more about life's lessons than some people will never learn no matter how long they live. Mattie knows about the trials and tribulations we each face in our day-to-day-living, about pain and sorrow, joy and hope. Although the book is not a lengthy one, there is more than just a few words to this book, there is a message which poignantly emphasises that we should live each day to the fullest, for we never know when it may be our last. If each person had the heart, spirit, wisdom and inner-beauty of Mattie, what a wonderful world it would be. This is a book suitable for all ages and would make an excellent gift for someone special on your list.