Why Does Back Matter Matter?: A Content Analysis of Paratextual Information in the I Survived Series

• In Event: Reading Pasts and Futures in (Non)Fiction Children's and Young Adult Literature

Abstract

This is a content analysis of the back matter included in the 24 books of the popular I Survived series (Tarshis). We identify the features included and their purpose using Gross and Latham’s features for paratextual information (2017). The majority of paratextual information was Documentary. Our implications include explicit instruction on the text features included in back matter and the utilization of these materials to foster richer experiences for elementary students.

Authors

• Kristy Brugar, University of Oklahoma

• Gretchen Hohmeyer, University of Massachusetts Amherst