Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs

(Hardcover, 2009 and Paperback, 2010)

Written by Mattie’s mom, Jeni, and with a Foreword by Maya Angelou, this NY Times Bestselling memoir offers readers intimate details about Mattie’s earliest years through his final days of life. Messenger is the full story of Mattie – “the poet, the peacemaker, and the philosopher who played.” Featuring numerous never before published poems by Mattie, journal entries, essays, photographs, and e-mail exchanges with many of his famous friends, Jeni shares Mattie’s passion for living, his never ending hope for peace, and his spirit that spread joy in a life that medicine swore held no promise of hope. This book has been reviewed by People Magazine, and featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and Larry King.