This Story Matters - National Council of Teachers of English

Get Involved

Write a Rationale

Members are encouraged to write new rationales to add to the database. All rationales are created by NCTE members and also receive peer review.

Join the Rationale Review Team

Members can be part of the review team for newly submitted rationales. This is a vital component of the book rationales.

Stay Informed

Learn more about ongoing censorship challenges, NCTE resources, and upcoming virtual and in-person events.

Support NCTE's anti-censorship efforts

One of the most helpful ways to contribute to the This Story Matters campaign is through a financial gift to the NCTE Fund.

Search Rationale Database

The right to read is one of the foundations of a democratic society, and teachers need the freedom to support that right so their students can make informed decisions and be valuable contributors to our world. A story can encourage diversity of thought, broaden global perspectives, celebrate unique cultures, and motivate the reader to achieve their dreams. This right matters. This Story Matters.

Get involved today.

Search Rationale Database

Book rationales are some of the strongest tools for educators to show why This Story Matters in their schools and classrooms. Rationales are created by educators who use their expertise in literacy and teaching, grounded in the standards students need to meet to achieve their educational goals. Each rationale includes summaries, grade-level suggestions, teaching tools, alternative book titles, and more. NCTE has created and collected peer-reviewed book rationales for decades, and a database of hundreds of titles can now be accessed online. View the full list of available titles here.

NCTE members, partners, and all supporters of students’ right to read are invited to work with us to continue to show why This Story Matters.