Zero Chance of Passage Book Reviews

“In Zero Chance of Passage, Ember Rechgott Junge delivers a fascinating and detailed account of the bipartisan movement to revive the American education system.”

-President Bill Clinton, Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States

“Ember’s book celebrates Minnesota’s courage to innovate and offers valuable lessons for policymakers to see the art of possibility for America’s youth.”
-Don Shalvey, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

“Ember Reichgott Junge, the grand prize winner of WD’s 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards, has had a fascinating career in politics and legislation. Her book Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story wowed the WD staff and judges, as well as several other national competitions.”
-Writer’s Digest Magazine

“Informed and informative, “Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story” is a very highly recommended addition to both community and academic library collections and is especially commended to non-specialist general readers with an interest in how charter schools came into the roster of American education alternatives.”
-Midwest Book Review

“I was able to finish reading your book, Zero Chance of Passage, and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. I did not know much about charter schools. Your book helped me understand the difficulties of passing such a law, and offered a greater appreciation for those in elected positions who truly try to make our country a greater place. In addition, your work as a female in a male dominated field is inspiring and I intend to reflect on your recommendations at the end of the book while pursuing a successful career in the field of government relations and politics. I wanted to thank you for sharing your story and encourage you to continue educating those unfamiliar with charter schools. Hopefully one day all families can have a voice and the ability to choose the education that best serves their needs.”
-Lauren Keck, Grand Rapids – MI

“In her book, Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story, author Ember Reichgott Junge presents the not-so-well known story of how charter schools came to prominence in the United States. You’ll be amazed at how much you don’t know about how these schools came to be. Junge’s writing is clear, concise and easy to read. The pages turn quickly. I appreciated her strong, clear thesis and felt she had accomplished her mission by the time I’d finished the book. Junge is extremely well versed in her subject matter which helps the reader connect with the material. And it is no surprise given how instrumental she was in the movement. This book offers a fascinating look at charter schools which really do seem to maintain an air of mystery still today, some 20 years after they were created. I very much appreciated the pictures. They nicely help to tell the story and give the reader a sense of who all was involved in the movement and the children who have been affected. I also very much appreciate that they are in color. This is often rare in this contest. The cover act is very nice and eye-catching. The appendices are interesting and helpful. Job well done.”
-Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards

“Before I read this book I really didn’t know much about the history of charter schools. I thought honestly they were just another form of private schools and really didn’t see the point to them. This book really helped to change my opinion. It really shows you the history of charter schools and just how hard it was for them to get formed and for the legislation to get passed, at least in the state of Minnesota. It’s a great book and I’ll probably read it again in the future. I definitely recommend it to those interested in the history of charter schools or in education.”
-Victoria Arnett

“This engaging story of how it all began helps us understand both where we want to go and how school choice through chartered public schools may very well help us get there.”
-Patrick J. Wolf, RDr. Wolf is Professor and 21st Century Endowed Chair in School Choice at the University of Arkansas

“Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story by Ember Rechgott Junge was facination for me, partly because of my interest in education, and also because I spent several years in the charter school system as a teacher and school administrator. I really enjoyed learning about how it all got started and the tremendous effort put forth by so many people, including the author of this book, to make the charter school movement come to pass.”
-Christine Watson, Reviewer for Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards

“With Zero Chance of Passage, Ember Reichgott Junge demonstrates that she is a talented storyteller as well as a skillful legislator. She brings personalities and ideas to life. Zero Chance offers an object lesson to any would-be engineer of systemic change.”
-Lori Sturdevant, Editorial Writer and Columnist, Star Tribune

“Ember’s book gives teachers hope for being able to make needed changes in our public schools.”
-Milo Cutter, Founder, City Academy High School

“Every education policy leader in America simply must read this eyewitness account of the birth of a great Minnesota idea. Supported by a degree of bipartisanship too seldom seen today, charter schools have changed the way the country defines and delivers public education.”
-Former US Senator David Durenberger (R-Minnesota)

“Any understanding of the charter school movement begins with this story. It’s a fiery political tale, full of the characters and the intrigue accompanying any serious effort to make the world better. My graduate students love this book as it drove real dialogue around what is required to define real public education.”
-Caprice Young, past CEO, California Charter Schools Association