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408th out of 874 books
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688 voters
Journey Through Heartsongs
Mattie J.T. Stepanek takes us on a Journey Through Heartsongs with more of his moving poems. These poems share the rare wisdom that Mattie has 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 is one of love and generosity and as a poet and a peacemaker, his desire is to bring his m...more
Hardcover, 80 pages
Published
January 14th 2002
by Hyperion
(first published September 27th 2001)
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This poetry book is required reading for my children's Tae Kwondo Black Belt Test. It amazing that it was written by an 11 year old boy who had MD. His poetry shows insight into the "big picture" and is more than many adults I know! My 11 year old son and I just finished reading this. He read out loud to me and then we would discuss the poems. The author, Mattie J.T. Stepanek just passed away a few months ago, which made these poems speak even more to my son.
It is amazing to me that this young boy had such a profound sense of himself and the world around him. I have several favorite poems in this collection:
Prayer for a Journey
About the Author
A Handful of Mattie (such a clever and beautiful poem and illustration)
Philosophy Glass (I hope to be more optimistic myself and view my glass as half full)
On Being a Champion
The followig poems are so heart-wrenching, yet they are so powerful when you stope to thing about how aware and how wise Mattie was at ag...more
Prayer for a Journey
About the Author
A Handful of Mattie (such a clever and beautiful poem and illustration)
Philosophy Glass (I hope to be more optimistic myself and view my glass as half full)
On Being a Champion
The followig poems are so heart-wrenching, yet they are so powerful when you stope to thing about how aware and how wise Mattie was at ag...more
Summary:
This is a book of poetry written by a little boy who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. In his poems he talks about losing his three older siblings, who also suffered and died from the same condition that he has. He also talks about heaven, and being thankful, and about growing up.
How I would use this book with students:
You would not be able to read all of these poems aloud because; a lot of them have religious values. However, I would pick a few like “Kindergarten-itis”...more
This is a book of poetry written by a little boy who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. In his poems he talks about losing his three older siblings, who also suffered and died from the same condition that he has. He also talks about heaven, and being thankful, and about growing up.
How I would use this book with students:
You would not be able to read all of these poems aloud because; a lot of them have religious values. However, I would pick a few like “Kindergarten-itis”...more
Journey Through Heartsongs is a collection of poems by a young boy suffering from muscular dystrophy. These collections of poems are for intermediate readers ages 8 and up. The poem that truly inspires me in this collection is "On Growing Up (Part V)". This poem is about all the people in the world, the differences, and how we need to come together and live as one family. Truly inspiring poems with hand painted pictures, I would recommend this poem and the all of the rest to anyone who reads.
Of all of Mattie's books, this seems to be one of the sadest. I'm sure Mattie did not intend for it to be, however, most of his writings were focused on his brothers and sister who had already died. It seemed so natural and easy for Mattie to express his belief in Heaven and hope of seeing them again someday. He movingly writes about life and death, love and loss, faith and hope, innocence and joy. A true hero in my eyes.
I am amazed at the strength and understanding this young boy had about life. So uplifting and at the same time my heart ached knowing Mattie and his siblings all lost their fight with the disease they were born with. What I love most about his poems were their pure nature and exploration of our thoughts and feelings regarding loss of loved ones. Great read, but keep the tissue box nearby.
Mattie was one of the most beautiful humanbeings on the planet and his spirit lives on in his poetry! Mattie reminds us through his poetry that we need to remember to listen to our own heartsongs and the only way to peace in this world is to follow those songs. Love is the answer. Thank you Mattie
It was a very quick read and is a collection of poetry by a special ed boy who has been writing poetry since he was three and appeared on the opra show since he was five!
I saw Mattie on an interview and was blown away with the maturity, insight, and composure this 11 year old possessed. His poetry is simple and profound.
The werewolf poem in this book is so adorable; definitely my favorite one of his!
My favorite phrase in the whole book is, "Life is a miracle."
I LOVEEEEEE this phrase because first of all, it's true, and second of all, it puts everything into perspective. Life really is a miracle, even if we don't treat it like one. It makes me be thankful for everything. I HOPE IT MAKES YOU TOO!(:
I LOVEEEEEE this phrase because first of all, it's true, and second of all, it puts everything into perspective. Life really is a miracle, even if we don't treat it like one. It makes me be thankful for everything. I HOPE IT MAKES YOU TOO!(:
J811.6Ste
Not complex, but what poetry should be, true
Very touching and inspiring book. Written by Mattie Stepanek, an 11 year old boy with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. His desire to be a peacemaker through his poems, life and heartsongs.
Mattie truly touched my soul!
May 04, 2013
Marlon Harris
marked it as to-read
Apr 29, 2013
Kiley Beam
marked it as to-read
Apr 25, 2013
Ashley
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Recommended to Ashley by:
MDA
Shelves:
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non-fiction
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Fransiskus Lukman
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Apr 07, 2013
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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...more
More about Mattie J.T. Stepanek...
Stepanek suffered from a rare form of muscular...more
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“...if you live feeling like
Your glass is half empty, well,
It may as well be empty all the way.”
—
13 people liked it
More quotes…
Your glass is half empty, well,
It may as well be empty all the way.”
May 01, 2008 04:14pm