The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Sexton, Margaret Wilkerson. On the Rooftop. HarperCollins Publishers, 2022.

Margaret Wilkerson Sexton's novel On the Rooftop is set in 1950s San Francisco, California. The novel is written from the third person point of view and in the past tense. The following summary adheres to a linear mode of explanation.

In the years following Vivian's husband Ellis's death, she found a sense of meaning and purpose via her daughters Ruth, Esther, and Chloe. She particularly devoted herself to cultivating the girls' singing capabilities and career. Together, they formed the trio the Salvations. Over time, Vivian became convinced that the Salvations would become a success in the musical industry. She even forsook relationships and friendships in order to further the Salvations' rise to popularity in the local jazz clubs and music venues.

Then one day, Mr. Franklin, a renowned agent from Los Angeles, arranged a meeting with Vivian. He told her he had seen the Salvations perform and wanted to manage them. Although Vivian believed this opportunity would thrill her daughters, Ruth, Esther, and Chloe did not respond to the news with enthusiasm. Indeed, the sisters had recently discovered that Ruth was pregnant and planned to marry her sweetheart, Gerry, and leave the Salvations.

In the wake of Ruth's announcement, the family was unsure how to move forward. Vivian felt as if her world was crumbling. The Salvations had not only given her a project with which to occupy her time, but had become the manifestation of all her hopes and dreams. Once the group stopped performing, Vivian felt unmoored. She began to rely upon her friendship with Preacher Thomas, minister of Shiloh Baptist, for support and grounding.

Meanwhile, Esther became increasingly invested in her work at the local bookshop, a fixture in the Fillmore community owned by her close friend, Horace. When Horace told Esther about the city's plans to redevelop, or gentrify, the neighborhood, Esther panicked. She told Horace that together they must urge the community to retain their ownership of their homes and businesses. They began writing newsletters and songs, and organizing demonstrations. They hoped that their endeavors would help the Fillmore neighborhood survive in the wake of the white Redevelopment Agency's attempts to steal and demolish their community. These efforts brought Esther and Horace closer, and ultimately catalyzed their romantic relationship.

As her sisters' lives began to change, Chloe realized that her life needed to change, too. She spent more and more time away from home, visiting clubs with her friend Tony. On one such night, she met a white man James, with whom she fell in love. Although their relationship was taboo, Chloe let herself believe their devotion to one another could trump racial stigmas. When she later learned that James was a part of the Redevelopment Agency, she ended their relationship. She decided to pursue a solo act with Mr. Franklin instead.

Realizing that her daughters were distinct and autonomous individuals, Vivian began to relinquish her control over their lives. She also decided to pursue a relationship with Preacher Thomas. The two had been friends for years, and had always had an affection for one another. She also learned to encourage her daughters to pursue their own dreams. She supported Esther's dreams of using her songwriting to create social change, and Chloe's decision to let Mr. Franklin manage her career. Meanwhile, Ruth made amends with her family, and reconciled herself with her new life as a wife and mother.