2025 One Book One Philadelphia
The Upcycled Self cover

The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are

About this year's One Book, One Philadelphia
The Upcycled Self is a powerful memoir by Tariq Trotter, chronicling his journey from a turbulent childhood in Philadelphia to becoming a legendary artist. Through vivid storytelling, the author explores themes of resilience, creativity, and personal reinvention, showing how struggles can be transformed into strength. This deeply introspective book is both a testament to survival and an inspiring guide to embracing one's own evolution.
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Tariq Trotter portrait

Tariq Trotter

Author of The Upcycled Self
Tariq Trotter, also known as Black Thought, is the platinum-selling, four-time Grammy Award-winning co-founder of The Roots and one of the most exhilaratingly skillful and profound rappers our culture has ever produced. A talented solo artist, actor, writer, producer, and creator, Trotter has won three NAACP Image Awards. He co-produced the Grammy Award-winning original Broadway cast recording of Hamilton and made his theatrical debut in Black No More.

How to Participate

It's Free and for Everyone

One Book, One Philadelphia is an annual series centered around a book chosen by the Free Library of Philadelphia. Seven weeks of events aim to foster literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue through all corners of the city.

April 11th through May 31st, read along with One Book, One Philadelphia by accessing this year's title at any neighborhood library branch or the Free Library's catalog. During the seven weeks of One Book, One Philadelphia, a variety of programs and workshops will take place online and in person throughout the city. All events and workshops are free to attend. You can find more information about upcoming One Book events on the Free Library's calendar, or by following along on social media.

Happy participant at a 2023 One Book One Philadelphia event.
Companion Book: For Teens
Let Me Hear a Rhyme
Let Me Hear A Rhyme is a striking new novel by Tiffany D. Jackson, the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly and Monday's Not Coming. As our 2025 One Book, One Philadelphia teen selection, Let Me Hear A Rhyme 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.
Tiffany D. Jackson portrait
Author of Let Me Hear a Rhyme
Tiffany D. Jackson is an award-winning, New York Times Bestselling author of YA novels, a Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe New Talent Award-winner, and an NAACP Image Award-nominee. She holds a bachelor of arts in film from Howard University.
Companion Book: For Kids
The Artivist
The Artivist, written and beautifully illustrated by Nikkolas Smith, is an inspiring, award-winning picture book and USA Today Bestseller about how children can combine art and activism in their daily lives. As our 2025 One Book, One Philadelphia selection for kids, it is a call to action for young readers to point out injustice in their lives and try to heal the broken bones of the world through their art.
Nikkolas Smith portrait
Author of The Artivist
Nikkolas Smith is a celebrated picture book author and Hollywood film illustrator. Other picture books authored and illustrated by Smith include The Golden Girls of Rio, and My Hair Is Poofy & That's Okay. His work has sparked important conversations and inspired meaningful change.
Program Made Possible in part by
  • Marie & Joseph Field
  • PECO
  • The Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation
  • The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation
  • Clear Channel Outdoor
  • Keystone Outdoor Advertising
  • Audacy
  • WHYY. PBS. npr.
  • WURD
The number 20 created by previous One Book, One Philadelphia books.

One Book, One Philadelphia has been active for over 20 years.

Discover previous titles explored by our program.

The One Book, One Philadelphia series was founded in 2003 by the Free Library and the Office of the Mayor with support from Marie Field, who also served as chair of One Book until 2022. The program motivates tens of thousands of people annually to read a featured selection and participate in programming that encourages empathy, understanding, and dialogue among Philadelphia's many communities.