1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. 2001. STEPPING OUT WITH GRANDMA MAC. ill. Angelo. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780531303207
2. BOOK SUMMARY
This book of 20 short poems by Nikki Grimes tells the story of a ten-year-old girl and her relationship with her undemonstrative grandmother. The story begins as the girl gets to know her grandmother who lives far away and did not see her much until she was ten years old. The poems begin with the granddaughter feeling like she couldn't do anything right in the eyes of her grandmother, who is a perfectionist. The poem titled "Sharp Tongue" says it all as the granddaughter is told "Don't sit there!", "Don't touch that!" and the like. There is a touch of humor in this poem as the young girl mutters "Don't breathe!" to herself as well as an insight into her hurt feelings as she confides to her mother "Then how come there are teeth marks in my heart?" This was said after her mother tried to explain to her that her grandmother was "all bark."
The relationship between the girl and her grandmother grows throughout the book as the grandmother teaches her about how to live a respectable life in spite of being poor. The granddaughter learns about perfume, setting the table correctly, shopping for quality clothing, and other things the grandmother believes a young girl needs to learn. As the story progresses, the grandmother becomes more affectionate with her granddaughter as she (as quoted in the poem "Radio City" by the girl) "grabs my hand sticks it in the warm well of her pocket and holds it there what seems like forever."
Each of the poems in this book is written from the point of view of the ten-year-old granddaughter as she begins to build a relationship with and to understand her grandmother. The black and white illustrations by Angelo add to the appeal of the book. Some of them depict the grandmother and granddaughter, while others humorously show their personalities, such as the drawing of a gloved hand and duster in the poem titled "Neat Freak."
Most of the poems in this book do not rhyme. The rhythm of the poems is smooth and appealing as the poems are read aloud. There are poems that have the elements of consonance, assonance, and similes throughout the book. Many of the poems evoke sensory images, such as in the poem titled "Sharp Tongue" where "Grandma's kitchen floor is shiny as ice." The book is filled with familiar childhood experiences that children will be able to relate to. The poems tell a story that will stimulate emotions and cause the reader to think about or remember their grandmothers in a sentimental way.
The book has a table of contents in the front, which list the name of each poem and the page where it can be found.
3. SELECTED POEM
The poem I selected as an example from this book is titled "Fences." I chose this poem because it describes the relationship between the granddaughter and grandmother in this story. This poem makes it clear to the reader that below the grandmother's tough exterior, there is a heart full of love for her granddaughter. The poem also lets the reader know that the young girl understands her grandmother and knows how much her grandmother loves her in spite of her undemonstrative ways.
This book could be introduced as a way to talk about families. The instructor could ask students about their family members and ways they are alike and different. The book would then be read aloud to the students. After reading, the students could have a discussion about their families and pick one member of their family to write a short poem about to share with the class.
FENCES
When I visit Grandma Mac
She usually snaps at me
To wipe my feet
On the welcome mat
So I don't dirty her rug.
There are no hugs,
No "Come here, sugar."
Just "Well, are you
Coming in or not?"
Her cold words
Used to make me shiver
Though never enough
To chase me away.
Then, after a while,
I'd notice how a light
Switches on in her eyes
Every time she sees me.
And I'd catch her
Sneaking money inside
My purse or pocket
So I could find it later
Like buried treasure.
And, more than once,
I saw her eyes
Bathe me with pride.
So I figure
Grandma's chilly words
Aren't brick walls
Made to keep me out.
They're more like picket fences
With gaps wide enough
For me to squeeze through-
All I have to do
Is try.
Grimes, Nikki. 2001. STEPPING OUT WITH GRANDMA MAC. ill. Angelo. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780531303207
2. BOOK SUMMARY
This book of 20 short poems by Nikki Grimes tells the story of a ten-year-old girl and her relationship with her undemonstrative grandmother. The story begins as the girl gets to know her grandmother who lives far away and did not see her much until she was ten years old. The poems begin with the granddaughter feeling like she couldn't do anything right in the eyes of her grandmother, who is a perfectionist. The poem titled "Sharp Tongue" says it all as the granddaughter is told "Don't sit there!", "Don't touch that!" and the like. There is a touch of humor in this poem as the young girl mutters "Don't breathe!" to herself as well as an insight into her hurt feelings as she confides to her mother "Then how come there are teeth marks in my heart?" This was said after her mother tried to explain to her that her grandmother was "all bark."
The relationship between the girl and her grandmother grows throughout the book as the grandmother teaches her about how to live a respectable life in spite of being poor. The granddaughter learns about perfume, setting the table correctly, shopping for quality clothing, and other things the grandmother believes a young girl needs to learn. As the story progresses, the grandmother becomes more affectionate with her granddaughter as she (as quoted in the poem "Radio City" by the girl) "grabs my hand sticks it in the warm well of her pocket and holds it there what seems like forever."
Each of the poems in this book is written from the point of view of the ten-year-old granddaughter as she begins to build a relationship with and to understand her grandmother. The black and white illustrations by Angelo add to the appeal of the book. Some of them depict the grandmother and granddaughter, while others humorously show their personalities, such as the drawing of a gloved hand and duster in the poem titled "Neat Freak."
Most of the poems in this book do not rhyme. The rhythm of the poems is smooth and appealing as the poems are read aloud. There are poems that have the elements of consonance, assonance, and similes throughout the book. Many of the poems evoke sensory images, such as in the poem titled "Sharp Tongue" where "Grandma's kitchen floor is shiny as ice." The book is filled with familiar childhood experiences that children will be able to relate to. The poems tell a story that will stimulate emotions and cause the reader to think about or remember their grandmothers in a sentimental way.
The book has a table of contents in the front, which list the name of each poem and the page where it can be found.
3. SELECTED POEM
The poem I selected as an example from this book is titled "Fences." I chose this poem because it describes the relationship between the granddaughter and grandmother in this story. This poem makes it clear to the reader that below the grandmother's tough exterior, there is a heart full of love for her granddaughter. The poem also lets the reader know that the young girl understands her grandmother and knows how much her grandmother loves her in spite of her undemonstrative ways.
This book could be introduced as a way to talk about families. The instructor could ask students about their family members and ways they are alike and different. The book would then be read aloud to the students. After reading, the students could have a discussion about their families and pick one member of their family to write a short poem about to share with the class.
FENCES
When I visit Grandma Mac
She usually snaps at me
To wipe my feet
On the welcome mat
So I don't dirty her rug.
There are no hugs,
No "Come here, sugar."
Just "Well, are you
Coming in or not?"
Her cold words
Used to make me shiver
Though never enough
To chase me away.
Then, after a while,
I'd notice how a light
Switches on in her eyes
Every time she sees me.
And I'd catch her
Sneaking money inside
My purse or pocket
So I could find it later
Like buried treasure.
And, more than once,
I saw her eyes
Bathe me with pride.
So I figure
Grandma's chilly words
Aren't brick walls
Made to keep me out.
They're more like picket fences
With gaps wide enough
For me to squeeze through-
All I have to do
Is try.
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