A New Form Of Guidance.
By Auburn Cecil

 Sometimes, the best way to inspire is to entertain. Traci Mullens, a Staunton River Middle School Guidance Counselor, discovered that’s especially true when you’re trying to inspire the average middle schooler.  While on summer vacation this year, Mullens finished a book she first envisioned more than 10 years ago. Written for kids between the ages of ten and fourteen, Which Way To Bethlehem? tackles the tough issues of jealousy, racism, self-esteem, determination and faith with quite a bit of fun.

 From a gooey green gel that sucks two boys into a computer to a heart-felt family reunion, Traci blends the perfect combination of fantasy and reality. The result is action and dialogue that can entice even non-readers and presents life lessons in an easy-to-understand format. With one look at Mullen’s diverse background “including service in the army and a journalism and fiction writing degree from Radford University,” it’s easy to see what might have inspired the elaborate scenes and locations in the book. And with a master’s in counseling from Virginia Tech, it’s no wonder that she uses her writing talent to encourage a hard-to-reach age group.

 Mullen’s self-published book has attracted attention in the Smith Mountain Lake area and gained shelf space from quite of few local retailers. With upcoming readings at national booksellers and plans for a new young adult novel, The Fly Man, Traci is sure to reach a lot more kids with her unique form of guidance.

With cover illustrations by Kristin Wimmer, a ninth grader at Staunton River High School, Which Way To Bethlehem? highlights the talents of two area residents.