This is a such a warm-hearted, cheerful book. What's not to like about it? The poetry by the author, a child, is lovely, and the accompanying paintings colorful and sweet. The story of the author's personal life is sad. but his book only reflects happiness and hope. Dead at age 13 of a rare form of muscular dystrophy, Mattie Stepanik began writing poetry at age 3. This is the first book of his that I've read. He is quite the hero in my hometown of Rockville, Maryland, because this is where he lived last. He lost three siblings of the same disease and now his mother has been stricken by the same disease. So what does Mattie write about? Seasons, happiness, windows, snowflakes, children, peace, leaves...inspiring things.

One poem called "Circle of Happiness" made me cry, It says that if you hug and kiss and tell a child how special he is, that child will feel the same way to you. It reminded me of bonding with my own grandson. It ended like this:

I will be a little kid
Who will do all of those things
And more.
And that is what
Happiness
Is all about. ( )

Heartsongs is a book of poems written by a young man named Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Mattie had muscular dystrophy during his young life, but he didn't let himself suffer. As his poems show, he remained positive, hopeful, and spiritual throughout his life. Some of the poems briefly mention seeing his late siblings in heaven some day, but he does so in a way that is more optimistic than sad.
Mattie is truly an inspiration to many people, especially those with disabilities. Although it is important to remember every person and situation is different, it is important to see those with disabilities represented in the media- especially in such a positive light. People just have to remember: just because one person with a specific disability can stay positive and accomplish great things, doesn't mean everyone can even if they have the same diagnosis. I'm not saying caretakers should allow their loved ones to have a victim complex, but be aware of the limits and needs of the specific person. ( )

This is an amazing compilation of poetry written by an eleven year old boy who is suffering from muscular dystrophy. In this book he addresses in his poems the struggles of living with this disease, and the grief associated with losing his three siblings to this same disease he too has. The language that Mattie uses is beyond impressive and way beyond his years. The writing is well paced and will have you in tears with the subjects he discusses. The book is entirely in Mattie's point of view of the challenges he faces as well as his desire for world peace. In one poem, he discusses the loss of his three siblings before him, and how sad his parents were about it, and then he came along, and he was not an only child because there were siblings before him that his parents lost. The topics are a little dark and deep for younger audiences, however it could be used in a middle school classroom for children to really think about their lives and appreciate what they have. The big idea of this book is to read about Mattie's experiences and perspectives and in turn reflect on your own and appreciate life and all the good a person may have in it. ( )

We can all stand to be humbled by Mattie, who at such a tender age had to learn more about life than most people ever come to learn. Such an old soul he was and I think of him often. This is his 1st collection. Journey through Heartsongs and Hope through Heartsongs are actually my favorites. Read them to your kids! ( )

Summary:
These poems are written by a poet that is a National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They are especially dedicated to the Children's Medical Center. Every poem is filled with pleasant emotions of love and giving thanks to God for everything such as people, creation, and things that are important by cherishing within their hearts full of happiness like a song.

Personal Reaction:
I liked how the author writes the poems with feeling and has a creative imagination making the audience ponder more about the poem itself and how each of us can have the opportunity to appreciate even the small things in our lives.

Classroom Extension:
1. The students can write their own poem in free poetry about what they are thankful for in their own personal lives.
2. They can cut out pictures from magazines about things that they love and are important to them by making a collage on a color poster paper.