Hope Through Heartsongs
by Mattie J.T. Stepanek
by Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Matthew J. T. Stepanek (Mattie) was twelve when he wrote and illustrated Hope Through Heartsongs. Mattie has written poetry since the age of three and this book is the fifth book he wrote. Mattie was diagnosed with Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy which interrupts autonomic, or automatic, functioning (for example, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, digestion, utilization of oxygen...). While Mattie had a disability, he never let that slow him down. He was named the National Goodwill Ambassador for MDA and enjoyed speaking about peace efforts and global tolerance. Young Poet and Peacemaker Hero Mattie Stepanek passed away on the morning of June 22, 2004. Mattie’s poems of peace and hope have touched millions of lives; his heartsongs will continue to reach people of all ages around the world for decades to come.
Introduction: The teacher should visit http://www.mattieonline.com/ to learn more about this author and share with the students personal information regarding Mattie's diagnosis, accomplishments, and information that sparked an interests in writing poetry. (This poem would be a great poem to read at the beginning of the year when establishing classroom rules.)
Fair Feelings
Everyone has feelings--
Love, fear, sadness,
Happiness, confusion, hope...
Feelings depend on one's
Personal situation at a given time.
We should feel free and
Encouraged to express feelings,
But never in a way
That hurts the feelings of others.
Even if a person does not think
It is a big deal to say something
That could upset another person,
It could be a very crushing
Experience to that person.
It could affect the rest
Of his or her life, and
Possibly, even the lives of others
Subsequently touched by that person.
Attitudes are contagious.
March 2000
Extension: Ask students about what they heard. (Did this poem rhyme, what was he writing about, etc.) Display a large copy of the poem (written on chart paper) and let the students follow along slowly as you read it a second time. Again, discuss any new ideas relating to the poem. Lead a discussion about feelings and attitudes in the classroom and how they can contribute to a positive environment. Continue to read the poem weekly for the first few weeks of school and sporadically throughout the school year.
Stepanek, Mattie J.T. 2002. Hope Through Heartsongs. New York: Hyperion.
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