Hot religion reading from around the web: how children helped write Pope Francis’ new book, an auction of a book of spiritual songs with connections to the Salem Witch Trials, and why the spiritual dimension of reading can help students become better writers.
Loyola Press is releasing Pope Francis’ correspondences with kids from around the world in Dear Pope Francis on March 1, but you can learn more about the 30 kids involved over at the Huffington Post.
A book of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, known as the Bay Psalm Book or The Witch Book, is going up for auction at New York City’s Swann Auction Galleries on February 4. Previous ownership of the book has been traced back to a victim of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, John Proctor, as well as Jonathan Corwin, Salem Witch Trials magistrate, according to the Boston Globe.
Best-selling teenaged author Jake Marcionette has a message for teachers: if you want students to become better writers, let them pick their own topics. “When you go to school you have to usually write about history and stuff kids aren’t into it,” Marcionette, author of Just Jake, told the Washington Post. “But when you can write about what you love and what you are passionate about, it gives another dimension to it. You can be connected in a more spiritual way.”
