Literacy Engagement through Peritextual Analysis

Paying attention to subtext is a crucial component of literacy. However, the concept of peritextual analysis takes such examination much further, teaching readers how to evaluate information and sources using elements that precede or follow the body of the text. A work’s Preface, Afterword, index, dust jacket, promotional blurbs, and bibliography are only some of the elements that can be used to help readers connect with and understand the main text. Speaking directly to librarians and educators working with K-16 students, this important book

• outlines the Peritextual Literacy Framework and explains its unique utility as a teaching and thinking tool;
• defines components such as production elements, promotional elements, navigational elements, intratextual elements, supplemental elements, and documentary elements, offering examples drawn from both print and non-print texts;
• presents several case studies showing peritextual analysis in action, ranging from young adult nonfiction in the classroom to strengthening students’ visual literacy skills by critically comparing and contrasting two graphic novel covers; and
• examines how the functions of peritext and the Peritextual Literacy Framework exist within online news articles, film and media packaging, and other non-print texts.

The creative and engaging approaches to providing, highlighting, and teaching the peritext of a text showcased in this collection will help students learn how to judge a book by its cover ... and everything else.