About the Book
The Valley in the Northeast Bronx
A Memoir of Community, Childhood, and Unforgettable Times
The Valley in the Northeast Bronx is more than a memoir, it’s a time capsule. Through vivid storytelling, Julius Burns Smith invites readers into his world: a vibrant, multicultural Bronx neighborhood in the 1950s and 60s, where kids played stickball in the streets, neighbors watched out for each other like family, and love was the thread that bound everyone together.
This is not a tale of fame or fortune. It’s the story of a boy finding joy in small moments, sledding down Arnow Avenue, sharing Italian dinners with his godmother Josie, attending Holy Rosary Church, and exploring the woodsy lots with his dog Jason. From rooftop cookouts to Freedomland theme park thrills, every chapter is filled with warmth, humor, and cultural touchstones.
But the memoir doesn’t shy away from deeper truths. Julius reflects on the loss of his father, the strength of his mother Lavinia, a pioneering educator, and the emotional complexity of being a Black child in a world still wrestling with injustice. He tells it all with honesty, grace, and gratitude.
Rich with personal anecdotes, Bronx history, and universal lessons, The Valley in the Northeast Bronx is for anyone who has ever missed their childhood, cherished their community, or longed for a simpler, kinder time. It’s not just Julius’s story, it’s a tribute to every neighborhood that felt like home.