Poetry for Children 5903-23
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Poetry Break 28

 A poem written and published by a child

On Being a Champion
by Mattie J.T. Stepanek
 
 A champion is a winner,
A hero…
Someone who never give up
Even when the going gets rough.
A champion is a member of
A winning team…
Someone who overcomes challenges
Even when it requires creative solutions
A champion is an optimist,
A hopeful spirit…
Someone who plays the game,
Even when the game is called life…
Especially when the game is called life.
There can be a champion in each of us,
If we live as a winner,
If we live as a member of the team,
If we live with a hopeful spirit,
For life
 
Heartsongs, NewYork : Hyperion 2002

heartsong.jpg
.Available from www. Amazon.com Accessed July 25, 2005

mattie.jpg
Available from www.mattieonline.com.Accessed July 29, 2005

Introduction
 
This poem is one in a collection of five books written by 13-year-old Mattie Stepanek. Mattie died in June of 2004 just before his 14th birthday. He had a disease called  dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy. The disease claimed the lives of his two younger brothers and sister. I think children will enjoy hearing this wonderfully written poem by such a young child who is yet so grown up. For more information on Mattie please visit http://www.mattieonline.com/
 
Extension
Read the poem to the class and explain to the children who Mattie Stepanek was and how he died. Talk to the class about heros. Mattie gives his definition about a hero, ask the children who their hero is or do they know of a hero. What does it mean to be a hero? In social studies talk about some of the heros that lived many years ago like Abraham Lincoln or Paul Revere.

Two poems: A classic poem (such as "The Raven") and a contemporary poem that are similar in some way (include both poems)