Dry Grass of August

Dry Grass of August
by
Anna Jean Mayhew
Young Adult or Adult Historical Fiction

Jubie is a Southern 13 year old in 1954. Her family travels through the South on summer vacation with their "girl" the "mammy", Mary. All kinds of awkward situations arise with segregated hotels, beaches, restaurants, gas stations, etc.
I think the publisher probably saw the popularity of "The Help" and tried to find a book that would appeal to the same population.
I was reading this and a 7 year old girl became fascinated with the cover: It has butterflies coming out of a jar. The cover drew her in and made her ask about it.
Not as substantial as similar books, but the ending gets pretty serious.
Overall it was a pretty good read for teen and adult females.

Fresh Air

Fresh Air
by
Charlotte Vale Allen

A reclusive website editor needs to break out of her routine. She gets an opportunity when an African American girl moves in next door as part of a summertime Fresh Air program for inner city children. She becomes good friends with the girl and the mother of the host family. In doing so, she faces her past - her childhood as the daughter of a famous actress, growing up without a father, and more. This is a very comfortable, nicely paced book.