A book about the amazing life of Mattie Stepanek, the famous young poet and humanitarian born with a rare disorder known as Dysautonomic Mitcochondrial Myopathy, will be released on November 3, 2009. The book, titled Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs, was penned by Mattie Stepanek's mother Jeni, and will give readers a glimpse into the boy's struggles and achievements from the time he was born.

Jeni Stepanek appeared on Good Morning America this morning to explain her reasons for writing the book and keeping Mattie's legacy alive. On GMA, Stepanek's mother said about Mattie, "His legacy is getting bigger every year. It was time to share the true story of his life."

Mattie Stepanek, who was dubbed a "peacemaker" died in 2004 at the age of 13. He lost three siblings to the disease that eventually killed him (his mother was not diagnosed with the disease until adulthood) and their deaths inspired him to start writing poetry when he was only three years old. Stepanek was a fan favorite on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The boy made several appearances on Winfrey's show and the two became close friends. Mattie wrote several inspirational books in his short lifetime, including Heartsongs, Hope Through Heartsongs, Celebrate Through Heartsongs , Just Peace and Reflections of a Peacemaker. His books offered inspirational messages for people of all ages. All of Stepanek's books were New York Times bestsellers.

Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs will include the life story of Mattie as well as some previously unpublished works by the young poet, and will also include some messages from some of his celebrity friends (Winfrey, Maya Angelou and President Jimmy Carter were just a few of the boy's friends).

According to Stepanek's official website, Jeni Stepanek will sign copies of her book at several locations in the Washington DC area, including the Borders store in North Bethesda, Maryland on November 4th.