The Dry Grass of August is a debut by Anna Jean Mayhew. It touches on racism in the 1950s South, seen through the eyes of a young white girl.
Thirteen-year-old Jubie Watts goes on a road trip with her mom, siblings, and Mary, the family’s black maid. As they drive from North Carolina to Florida, Jubie is taken aback by the way everyone they encounter along the way treats Mary. A terrible tragedy befalls Mary, and Jubie is faced with the rudest awakening to just how evil and terrible the world can be.
The Dry Grass of August is well-written and very touching. Books like this about racism always make my stomach turn.
Although it’s written from Jubie’s point of view, The Dry Grass of August is a coming-of-age novel that reiterates how love trumps all, regardless of skin color. It’s easy to relate to Jubie, and empathize with her experiences, emotions, and heartache. Her character has lots of compassion, which is also very relatable in this context.
This book was enjoyable, but also easily forgettable. Anna Jean Mayhew has also written Tomorrow’s Bread (2019).
What did you think about The Dry Grass of August?
Last Updated on January 17, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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