Book Description
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.


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.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, known to his friends as "Mattie," began writing poetry and short stories at the age of three. Some of his poetry 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. But most of his poems proclaim the innocent hope, profound wisdom, and delightful humor of childhood. Heartsongs is a collection of the early poems and artwork of this gifted, courageous, award-winning poet. This special edition includes a section of never-before-published poems and artwork.

SYNOPSIS

Mattie's book of poetry, Heartsongs, is a compilation of his early work. It is a soft bound book and includes 20 of his poems and his artwork.

FROM THE CRITICS

Jimmy Carter