This volume explains how analyzing textual elements that aren't part of the text but connected to it can be used with K-16 students to improve comprehension, engagement, critical thinking, and media literacy.Beginning with an introduction that briefly explains Genette's theory of paratext and discusses the functions of epitext theory, this book comprises theory-to-practice chapters that showcase ways in which teachers and librarians can use elements independent of a text to discuss texts and media with students. Chapters include a practitioner's section specifying practical approaches and explanations for how to use epitext.Scaffolding an application of theory to practice, this title provides educators with an original approach to increasing literacy engagement and integration as well as for increasing media literacy and critical thinking. It includes practical ideas for using epitext in the classroom to promote critical thinking and for collaboration between teachers and librarians. It also includes editorial sidebars that provide additional "how-to" ideas, support deep thinking, make connections to relevant content in other chapters, and provide examples for students in K-16 classrooms.

ForewordTeri S. LesesneIntroduction: The Functions of EpitextShelbie Witte, Don Latham, and Melissa GrossPART I: EPITEXT AND COMPREHENSIONChapter 1: Epitext and Young Adult Fiction: A Case Study of Piecing Me TogetherMelissa Gross and Zoe LeonarczykChapter 2: Epitextual Analysis of Biographies: Enhancing Disciplinary LiteracySharon Kane with Deborah HeiligmanChapter 3: Incorporating Epitext Through a Layered-Literacies Approach: Revisiting the Study of MausLuke Rodesiler and Eric FederspielChapter 4: Learning Through Fan Fiction: Remix and Extension with Narrative WritingTyler C. SiscoPart II: EPITEXT AND CRITICAL THINKINGChapter 5: Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls Epitexts: A Hard Book to Read but Worth Every TearJames BlasingameChapter 6: Critically Analyzing Black Female YA Speculative Fiction Alongside Author-Produced EpitextS. R. ToliverChapter 7: Fostering Diverse Learners' Comprehension and Critical Thinking Through EpitextLoren Jones, Sharon L. Smith, and Luciana C. de OliveiraPart III: EPITEXT AND MEDIAChapter 8: Creating Epitext and Intertext Perspectives with Mary Poppins ReturnsMargaret MackeyChapter 9: Applying Media Literacy to Promotional Epitexts: Are They Selling Molasses, Falafels, or Books?Shanedra D. NowellChapter 10: Epitext in the CTE Classroom: Embracing Audiovisual Technology and Film Classrooms as Spaces for Developing Literacy SkillsW. Kyle JonesPart IV: EPITEXT AND DIGITAL SPACESChapter 11: Critically Exploring Video Games and Their Epitexts: "I Never Thought Like This Before"Brady NashChapter 12: Role-Playing as Epitextual Analysis: Evidence-Based Guidelines and Considerations for Facilitating Online Game-Based Role-Playing for Librarians and TeachersJonathan M. HollisterChapter 13: Binary Texts Challenge Epitext: Robot Poems, or Poem Robots?Katie Henry and Bud HuntIndexAbout the Editors and Contributors