Growing Up BX, Tevye's Story

Tevye is an immigrant young man of thirteen. Yes, he's the same Tevye who appears at the end of his parent's struggle in their own story, "Star Crossed". This is part of his story. Born in a Displaced Person's Camp in Germany right after the war, his family has been brought to the Bronx by a distant relative. His mother and father, Leib and Raizle have worked very hard from the day they arrived nine years ago to build a new life for their family in the Bronx. So far there is nothing unusual about their daily struggle. Except for the Native Americans and the Black slaves brought to her in chains it is America's story, and it has been told many times over. Then why tell it once again? The answer is a simple one. Each of us is unique and if we take the time to listen to our stories we are better people for it. So it is now your choice to continue reading or to put this book down. Either way, God Bless You, your family and this great country of ours. Tevye, Teddy as he is now called, is a young man who doesn't quite fit among his neighbors. There is something on the inside that keeps him on the outside despite the fact he shares a Jewish background and religion with his friends. Teddy enjoys his life but he's also scared a lot of the time. You see, there are a lot of bullies around the neighborhood who find his differences to be an attractive reason for him to be picked on. But he's not alone. On a day he's being picked on for going to the library he meets a young black man about his own age. Through some odd and sometimes painful circumstances a unique friendship is formed. But true friendships aren't real until they are tested. You see, this young black man, Wilson "Sweets" Short isn't a perfect fit in his neighborhood either. He's loved by some, ignored by others and feared by a few. Wilson is his own man but he's being held back by his own insecurities and lack of opportunities. This strange but interesting pair of friends are drawn together by their desire to explore each others cultures. They set off on their path to finding out who they are and what the world has to offer. But it will not always be an easy road. There will be violence because the Bronx has always had some "mean streets" that had to be walked and crossed. There will be problems with parents and peers because they always want what they think is best for you...or them. There will be blood and tears because that's one of the hard ways that lives progress. Growing up is not easy! Growing Up BX is probably a little harder. Ask Wilson and Teddy! They must pay the price that their world, the south Bronx in the fifties places on friendship and the beginning seeds of wisdom. Enjoy their journey! Hopefully, it will make yours a little easier! Tevye