The book investigates the founding and expansion of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) and its impact on American education. Jay Mathews, an education reporter for The Washington Post, chronicles the journey of KIPP's founders, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, from their early experiences in Teach for America to the establishment and growth of their controversial charter school network. The narrative explores the program's core tenets, its operational challenges, and the debates surrounding its effectiveness and educational philosophy.

The book is regarded as a comprehensive journalistic account of the KIPP program, offering a balanced perspective on its innovative approach and the criticisms it has faced. Mathews's reporting provides readers with a detailed understanding of the program's operational realities and the dedication of its founders. The work is noted for its thorough research and its contribution to the ongoing discussion about educational reform in the United States.