Let Me Hear a Rhyme

In this striking new novel by the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly and Mondays Not Coming, Tiffany D. Jackson tells the story of three Brooklyn teens who plot to turn their murdered friend into a major rap star by pretending he's still alive.

Brooklyn, 1998. Biggie Smalls was right: Things done changed. But that doesnt mean that Quadir and Jarrell are cool letting their best friend Stephs music lie forgotten under his bed after hes murderednot when his rhymes could turn any Bed Stuy corner into a party.

With the help of Stephs younger sister Jasmine, they come up with a plan to promote Stephs music under a new rap name: the Architect. Soon, everyone wants a piece of him. When his demo catches the attention of a hotheaded music label rep, the trio must prove Stephs talent from beyond the grave.

As the pressure of keeping their secret grows, Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine are forced to confront the truth about what happened to Steph. Only, each has something to hide. And with everything riding on Stephs fame, they need to decide what they stand for or lose all that theyve worked so hard to hold on toincluding each other.

Jackson scores a bullseye with her passionate homage to Black city life in the late 90s. (Publishers Weekly, An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List)