This collection of text rationales was developed to support Illinois educators in advancing the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading (CRTL) Standards, which call on teachers to provide students with learning experiences that honor multiple perspectives, histories, and identities.
The format of each rationale draws inspiration from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) “This Story Matters” Book Rationale Project. NCTE’s initiative underscores the importance of thoughtfully documenting the educational value of diverse and, at times, frequently challenged texts. Their model provides educators with structured justifications that help schools and districts maintain access to inclusive literature while meeting rigorous academic standards.
Each rationale in this document follows a consistent structure adapted from the NCTE model and is tailored to the context in Illinois. Specifically, each entry provides:
- Illinois Common Core ELA Standards and, where appropriate, Illinois Social Science Learning Standards (2017).
- Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading (CRTL) Standards, particularly:
Standard 1: Self-Awareness and Relationships - Demonstrating understanding of one’s own identity and the identities of students.
Standard 2: Systems of Oppression and Power - Critically examining the impact of historical and current systems on students and communities.
Standard 3: Students as Co-creators of Knowledge - Centering student voice and cultural wealth in curriculum and instruction.
Standard 4: Family and Community Engagement - – Valuing and incorporating community and family knowledge into learning.
By uniting NCTE’s "This Story Matters" framework with the vision of the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards, we invite teachers to take action in their classrooms. These rationales equip educators to disrupt narrow literary canons, center the voices and histories of communities too long silenced, and affirm every student’s right to see their experiences honored in the curriculum. We hope this can serve as a pathway toward classrooms where literature becomes a force for empathy, equity, and collective liberation.
Target Grade Level and Audience: Grades 3–5; English Language Arts, Social Studies, Black History Month.
In-Depth Summary: Kwame Alexander’s free-verse poem, paired with Kadir Nelson’s luminous illustrations, celebrates the resilience, artistry, and brilliance of Black Americans across centuries. From enslaved ancestors and civil rights leaders to contemporary trailblazers, the book confronts the trauma of slavery and racial violence while affirming Black excellence and survival.
Genre: Illustrated poem / picture book.
Themes: Black excellence and resilience; historical memory; art as resistance; intergenerational fight for justice.
Potential for Challenge: Mentions of slavery and racial violence require sensitive, age-appropriate discussion.
Traditional Anchor Text: Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American classic but centered solely on a white colonial hero and omitting Black contributions to the nation’s founding.
If Your Curriculum Requires the Traditional Anchor Text, Try These Culturally Responsive Supplemental Materials:
Standards Alignment:
Target Grade Level and Audience: Grades K-3; English Language Arts, SEL, early childhood literacy.
In-Depth Summary: After seeing dazzling mermaids on the subway, young Julián imagines himself transformed into one. At home, he creates a mermaid costume and anxiously awaits his grandmother’s response, only to be met with unconditional acceptance and love. This gentle story affirms imagination, identity, and the freedom of self-expression.
Genre: Picture book/contemporary realistic fiction.
Themes: Gender expression; acceptance and belonging; intergenerational love; imagination and creativity.
Potential for Challenge: Some communities may question depictions of gender nonconformity; requires framing around respect and inclusion.
Traditional Anchor Text: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, long used to spark imagination but lacking LGBTQIA representation and containing outdated stereotypes.
If your curriculum requires the traditional anchor text, try these culturally responsive supplemental materials:
Standards Alignment: