Last year's Academy Awards-garnering drama 'Precious' has provided the woman who originated the story with a great leverage opportunity.

Sapphire, legally known as Ramona Lofton, has signed a major deal for the harrowing story's sequel.

A New York City-based poet, who has also published three collections of poetry, sold her first novel, 'Push,' to Vintage at auction for $500,000 in 1995. The celebrated author will continue her heart-wrenching storyline about hard-knock New York City living with a follow-up.

Titled 'The Kid,' the novel focuses on the son of Claireece "Precious" Jones -- the overweight, illiterate main character from 'Push' who is molested by her welfare-dependent parents and contracts HIV after being impregnated by her rapist father.The plot reportedly revolves around the young man – who isn't born with HIV -- as he approaches manhood, alone, brutalized and with the soul of an artist.

Sold to Penguin Press, the tome is to be published next summer.

The movie 'Precious' became the toast of the film festival circuit last year and netted a number of coveted awards for its director Lee Daniels and actress Mo'Nique, who won the Oscar for best supporting actress. Screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher also netted an Academy Award for his effort. Starring newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, Mariah Carey, Paula S. Patton, Sherri Shepherd and Lenny Kravitz, the tumultuous drama was produced by Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortes and Oprah Winfrey.