A Hard Choice

by Jeanette Hill

Bryan and Steve are seventh graders in an urban neighborhood, who have been physically and emotionally bullied all year by classmate Frank and his buddies. Afraid the other kids will make fun of them, they have remained silent. Today Frank and his buddies have not only forced them off of the basketball court, they punched and made fun of them in front of the other students. For Bryan, this is the last straw...

Bryan and Steve are seventh graders in an urban neighborhood, who have been physically and emotionally bullied all year by classmate Frank and his buddies. Afraid the other kids will make fun of them, they have remained silent. Today Frank and his buddies have not only forced them off of the basketball court, they punched and made fun of them in front of the other students. For Bryan, this is the last straw. He has an ‘eye-for-an-eye’ plan but will this plan help his situation or make it worse? (Extra youth can walk around watching)

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A Hard Choice

Recommended by

  • Donna Gordon: A Hard Choice by Jeanette Hill
    “

    This the most truthful play I've read about bullying. Hill deals with the question of the value of being the one who makes a difference. Any teen would relate to this so well and see the importance of grappling with this question.

    This the most truthful play I've read about bullying. Hill deals with the question of the value of being the one who makes a difference. Any teen would relate to this so well and see the importance of grappling with this question.

    ”
  • Claudia Haas: A Hard Choice by Jeanette Hill
    “

    Hill wrote a play that is a beginning. There are no easy answers and none are given. The play illustrates ways to address bullying and acknowledges hard truths: there is no one-size-fits-all answer. And solving the problem all by your lonesome also backfires. Upper elementary students and middle schools would especially benefit from both being in the play and as audience members. Silence can be deadly. The play gives you a safe place to speak.

    Hill wrote a play that is a beginning. There are no easy answers and none are given. The play illustrates ways to address bullying and acknowledges hard truths: there is no one-size-fits-all answer. And solving the problem all by your lonesome also backfires. Upper elementary students and middle schools would especially benefit from both being in the play and as audience members. Silence can be deadly. The play gives you a safe place to speak.

    ”
  • Lisa B. Thompson: A Hard Choice by Jeanette Hill
    “

    Ms. Hill has written an excellent drama for educational settings for children from 5-9th grade. The characters are believable and endearing. "A Hard Choice" honestly examines how young people navigate bullying and illustrates how they can make good choices.

    Ms. Hill has written an excellent drama for educational settings for children from 5-9th grade. The characters are believable and endearing. "A Hard Choice" honestly examines how young people navigate bullying and illustrates how they can make good choices.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, KEW Youth Foundation, Houston, TX, 2008