Book Description
A spiritual and uplifting new collection of poems, from the New York Times bestselling poet and peacemaker Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Mattie J.T. Stepanek is an award-winning poet whose struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy has touched the lives of people nationwide. Celebrate Through Heartsongs, his fourth inspiring collection of poetry, features works written between the ages of three and eleven, and continues to spread Mattie's message of universal hope, peace, courage, and love. Fully illustrated by the poet, the collection will appeal to people of all ages, religions, and beliefs. Twelve-year-old Mattie J.T. Stepanek, has been writing poetry and short stories since age three. Mattie is currently the Maryland State and National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He is the recipient of several awards, including the 2002 Children's Hope Medal of Honor and the 2002 Verizon Courage Award. He lives with his mother, Jeni, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he is homeschooled.

FROM OUR EDITORS

"I have a song, deep in my heart, / And only I can hear it. / If I close my eyes and sit very still / It is so easy to listen to my song." In Celebrate Through Heartsongs, his fourth book of poetry, youthful Mattie J. T. Stepanek continues to listen to and sing his heartsong.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mattie Stepanek's fourth collection of poetry is a joyful "thank you" for life. In Celebrate Through Heartsongs, Mattie conveys the message that there is always a reason for happiness -- whatever one's life circumstances. While acknowledging his own grief -- at the loss of his three siblings and in living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy -- Mattie can also see that to live fully, one must "celebrate life, every day, in some way." In this new collection, Mattie finds dozens of ways to celebrate. In sections titled "Celebrate Nature," "Celebrate Thoughts and Dreams," "Celebrate Special Days," "Celebrate Life," and "Celebrate Everyday Heroes," Mattie says thank you time and again. Beauty and joy abound, as long as you know how to look at life. Open this book and understand that no one is without the opportunity to celebrate, through Mattie's Heartsongs and your own.

FROM THE CRITICS

Jerry Lewis