Stepping Out with Grandma Mac is a very witty and intelligent book about a young girl’s relationship with her only living grandparent, while may seem like a challenge, proves to be a relationship like no other. This book can be a lovely book to be read to as a family, as often the grandmother is the backbone of the family, especially in African American homes. I feel that Nikki Grimes conveyed perfectly how a relationship with any grandparent can be, turbulent, yet enlightening. Nikki's style of bringing poetry together almost like a novel can be comforting, especially for those who are new to poetry. ( )

This poetry story is about a grandmother who seems harsh and a stick disciplinary to her granddaughter, but slowly the girl learns her grandmother's love not through words, but through actions. This story is very true to southern African American culture. Through tough love and hidden love, the granddaughter finds out just how much she means to her grandmother. ( )

I liked this book a lot. The grandmother reminds me of mine who was not very affectionate, but loved me very much. The poetry style added to the story and made it feel very hip and different.

This could be used in curriculum when learning about poetry or about family relationships. ( )

The similes and metaphors are uncomplicated, yet visually engaging making for an easy-to-understand collection of poems. This series of poems takes the reader on a journey with a young girl who learns to comprehend how her difficult, yet spunky and fun grandmother expresses her love. This book would be a familiar and welcome reflection for any one who has learned to love unconditionally. ( )