<p>This book uniquely explores the rare event of poor people who become nationally or internationally famous. This book describe how poverty is a severe disability that stunts areas of growth and opportunity among children. Nevertheless using a sample of 27 people including Charlie Chaplin Billie Holiday Marilyn Monroe Richard Pryor Babe Ruth Oprah Winfrey and Malcolm X the book shows how these figures both coped but faced life-long challenges as a result of their backgrounds.</p>