If you're a charter school leader drowning in grant applications, this book promises to be your lifeline—but does it deliver? Let’s break it down.

The Good: The author’s expertise is undeniable. The step-by-step roadmap for securing grants is structured like a seasoned grant writer’s playbook, complete with real-world examples that make the process feel less daunting. I particularly loved the actionable tips—like how to tailor proposals to stand out in a competitive pool—which I immediately tested (and saw results!).

The Bad: Some sections drag with repetition, and the constant plugs for the author’s website (free checklists, anyone?) feel more like infomercial interruptions than value-adds. The layout could use a redesign—jumping between chapters felt clunky at times.

Real-World Test: I used its ‘Questions to Anticipate from Funders’ section during a mock review panel. Our team aced it! But skimming the filler? That part was a snooze.

Verdict: Worth it for the gold nuggets of strategy, but keep your highlighter handy to skip the fluff. 3.5/5 stars—would recommend… with caveats.