Just Peace: A Message of Hope

By Mattie J.T. Stepanek

"I was touched by the depth of passion and awed by the firm resolve with which Mattie Stepanek pursued a dream that has evaded men and women throughout history. What began as a casual discourse, not too different from others I have had with inquisitive young people who have reached out to me, became a treasured and enlightening friendship that changed my life forever. With the purity of heart that only a child can possess, and the indomitable spirit of one who has survived more physical suffering than most adults will ever know, Mattie convinced me that his quest was not inconceivable. Inspired by his enthusiasm and without reservation, I committed to a partnership with him. . . . These words of wisdom and inspiration came from the most remarkable person I have ever known." --Jimmy Carter Sometimes the most important messages come from the most unlikely places. Mattie J.T. Stepanek, a 13-year-old boy, made a difference before he died with his Heartsongs poetry. He continues to impact the world through Just Peace . This poet, best-selling author, peace activist, and prominent voice for the Muscular Dystrophy Association fervently believed in and promoted world peace not just as a concept, but as a reality. Mattie was working on this manuscript with Jimmy Carter when he died in June 2004. His mother, Jeni, who edited the material and wrote a preface for the book has published it at her son's request. Just Peace explores Mattie's concept of the world and all people as a unique mosaic of gifts. War and injustice shatter the mosaic, which can only be made whole again by planning and actively pursuing peace. The young visionary's essays, poetry, and photographs appear throughout the book. Jimmy Carter has written a special foreword for the book. Just as important to the book and enlightening to the reader are Mattie's many correspondences. Central to these are his personal e-mails to and from former president Jimmy Carter, Mattie's peace "hero" and role model. The Nobel Peace Prize winner met Mattie, considered him an angel, messenger, and hero in his own right, and was genuinely affected by Mattie's passion and drive. Just Peace is an intimate portrait of a president, a young man of hope, and peace itself.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0740757121
• ISBN13: 9780740757129
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Profound and Inspirational Book

Mattie J. T. Stepanek's book is one of the most profound and inspirational books I have ever read. I don't know if any of you had the privilege of encountering young Mattie on his numerous television appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America, Larry King, or the Jerry Lewis M.D. telethon, but if you did, or did not, I invite you to read this book by this best-selling young poet, peacemaker and philosopher. Mattie J.T. Stepanek died in June, 2004, weeks before his 14th birthday. I have all his previous poetry books, but this book goes far beyond his poetry, with brilliant essays, and email correspondence with his hero, President Jimmy Carter. His essays are incredible, filled with wisdom and insights that hardly seem possible coming from such a young mind. Mattie wrote these words: "I believe that I am here to reach out and touch the world gently with my thoughts and my experiences, and with my observations and my reactions, to help people more fully appreciate and respect all aspects of life. I believe that I am here, even if only for a few handful of years, to help people consider the important matter of future, during our lifetime, and for eternity." His essays are profound and I find I cannot even put into words the value of his work, except to say it has to be shared. You may think, oh, this is a kid, what can he know. Trust me, his writing is beautiful, his philosophy profound, insightful, and filled with a wisdom far, far, beyond his age. His legacy is a gift for humanity, and those of us who did encounter Mattie will never forget this special angel, a messenger of peace, and those who now read his book, will also remember Mattie J. T. Stepanek lived and died a child, but he had the spirit and wisdom of an old soul. In his short thirteen years, he became a poet, best-selling author, and peace activist, and his words touched millions of our hearts. Before his death in June 2004, his six volumes of "Heartsongs" poetry have sold more than a million copies. It is my hope that "Just Peace, A Message of Hope," will also reach millions of hearts and minds throughout the world. I have bought a number of copies of "Just Peace: A Message of Hope" as gifts for my family and friends.

Wow-Motivating and Inspiring-Life, Living, and Peace

The reviewer providing the Onion link obviously has not even read this book. If so, said "reviewer" would know that this book moves well beyond Mattie's powerful and thought provoking Heartsongs and includes Mattie's prose writing, as well as personal emails between Mattie and President Carter that cover topics ranging from life and living to our impact on one another, to this child's overpowering knowledge of his own upcoming death and how he chooses to cope. Readers receive an intimate look at one of our Presidents through the lens of a friend, mentor, and confidant. Also special to this book, and again a strong sign that the Onion reviewer has not read it, is that Mattie lays out a plan for peace. If only President Bush (and mean-spirited people like the Onion reviewer) would read and take Mattie's steps to heart.

Amazing Grace

Im fourteen years old, and Mattie Stepaneks words have showed me that it make look like you have everything, but you're really in dire need of help. Mattie Stepanek went through an amazing amount of emotional pain, physical pain, and yes, it all cost his mother a large sum of money. Not only was the boy sick -- but they would have to live in peoples basements, and get food from churches in order to survive the "storm". But Mattie held his head high and believed that you really can "Play after every storm". This book is one of the /best/ books Ive ever read. Mattie is a TRUE poet, and a REAL peacemaker! And its true -- all we need is PEACE!

Just Peace: A Message of Hope

Mattie had insight into this dysfunctional world way beyond his years. His thoughts and prayers for America and the world are visions of a spiritual peace among nations of the earth that has never before existed and is such an easy task if only one hand from each nation would reach out and grab another and then another. Mattie envisioned heaven on earth. There was no reason for wars or hate or racism, we are all equal as created in God's eyes. I believe Mattie's cry for peace can be a reality. I hope he's watching and praying for each and every one of us and I know that he is embraced by God's light and he is well. Thank you Mattie for all that you were and continue to be. My name is Carolyn Beedham and I have Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, in a wheel chair with only my left hand that isn't paralyzed. My internal organs including breathing have all been affected. I will never give up. Jerry Lewis is my idol too.