Misty Copeland didn't begin dancing until age thirteen, but she quickly surpassed all her peers to be declared a prodigy. Her hard work and talent have landed her the career of a lifetime. She wasn't always so celebrated, however. One of the ballet world's few African American dancers, she was discouraged for having a body that didn't fit the ballet ideal. In addition, she grew up in a poor family and was deeply conflicted about the opportunities ballet presented her. This inspiring biography charts Copeland's fascinating journey, providing a glimpse of the politics of the ballet world along the way. Book jacket.