Book note
TUCSON, Ariz. — Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s final book, “Just Peace: A Message of Hope,” is being released this month by Andrews McMeel Publishing, more than a year and a half after the young poet-philosopher’s death from the effects of a rare neuromuscular disease. The book is a collection of e-mail correspondence between former President Jimmy Carter and Stepakek, the former National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), plus previously unpublished prose by Stepanek. Stepanek, who served three terms as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador, wrote six best-selling “Heartsongs” volumes of poetry prior to his death in June 2004, just before his 14th birthday. The book includes a foreword by Carter, a close friend of Mattie’s who encouraged him in his efforts. “Just Peace” is available at bookstores and online, including at www.amazon.com. A portion of the proceeds from the book will benefit the MDA Mattie Fund, which funds research into childhood neuromuscular diseases. For additional information on Stepanek, visit the Web site www.mdausa.org/ mattie/remembering.cfm.
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