Faculty Publications

Peritextual Elements in Chinese Nonfiction Picturebooks

Comments

First published in Children’s Literature in English Language Education, v12 n1 published by Nord University. Link: https://clelejournal.org/article-2-chung-wee-meacham/

Document Type

Article

Publication Version

Published Version

Keywords

Chinese, multicultural, nonfiction, peritext, picture books

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Children's Literature in English Language Education

Volume

12

Issue

1

First Page

25

Last Page

48

Abstract

The present work is a comparison of the peritext typology found across various nonfiction picturebooks focusing on Chinese people, including Chinese Americans. Nineteen nonfiction books were chosen following selection methods described in previous literature. Books were individually analysed to see which of five categories they fit under, and insider/outsider status for each author and illustrator was recorded as well. All five types were found in the surveyed Chinese nonfiction picturebooks; however, none of the books encouraged readers to take action for social change. We also found slight variation in peritext usage between the insiders and outsiders for authors and illustrators. At face value, the insider/outsider status may naturally seem a primary cause for concern when selecting culturally authentic picturebooks. However, the present study leads to the suggestion that it is perhaps better to examine the peritextual information to evaluate authentic and quality literature on multicultural nonfiction picturebooks as an important factor to consider alongside the author/illustrator’s memberships of cultural heritage.

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Original Publication Date

5-1-2024

Object Description

1 PDF File

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright

©2024 The Author(s)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Link to Full Text
Published Version

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