Mattie Stepanek

About

Child poet who is remembered for Heartsongs, a seven-volume, New York Times bestselling work. He died at age thirteen from an atypical form of muscular dystrophy. In 2007, he won the Peacemaker of the Year Award from Independent Publisher. 

Before Fame

He wrote his first poem when he was only three years old.

Trivia

After his death, the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation was established in his honor. In addition to being a poet, he was also a motivational speaker. 

Family Life

His mother, Jeni Stapanek, served as Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Associated With

He was once interviewed by Oprah Winfrey.