Overview
A child loses their favorite toy and feels very sad. If they remember that the experiences and love connected to that toy live on inside them, they can find the strength to move forward while honoring those memories.
The Choice
Diego must choose to keep searching or accept the loss.
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.837491913746632
- Word Count
- 371 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Diego and Jae are playing in the park when Diego accidentally loses his favorite baseball glove, a gift from his grandfather. He feels a wave of sadness and frustration. Jae suggests they look for it, but after an hour of searching, they still cannot find it. Jae then shares a story about losing his own favorite toy and how he learned that the experiences and love connected to something are more powerful than the object itself. This makes Diego think about the times he played catch with his grandfather and the lessons his grandfather taught him about perseverance. Now, Diego must decide whether to continue searching for the glove, hoping to find it, or to draw strength from those memories and carry his grandfather's lessons forward. Diego now faces a choice: (A) keep searching for the glove or (B) honor the memories and move forward.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Keep searching for the glove
Honor the memories and move forward
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers ā the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How can finding strength in loss help Diego here?
- 3
What are the possible consequences of each choice?
- 4
How might Frederick Douglass advise Diego here?
- 5
Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Frederick Douglass
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
