Network: Disney Channel
Running Time: 30 minutes
Episode Name: Bye Bye Ball
Targeted Age Group/General Show Overview: Miley Stewart (played by Miley Cyrus), is a just like every other little girl in America. She has an older brother she both loves and loathes, a father (played by Billy Ray Cyrus) who supports her through the good and the bad, a best friend from whom she is inseparable, and big, big dreams. Unlike every other little girl in America, though, Miley’s dreams are fulfilled without having to give up her day to day existence. Enter Hannah Montana-Miley Stewart’s rock star alter-ego. Of course, it’s never easy to live a double life, especially when one half is world famous! Miley/Hannah must navigate the world of tweendom and set an example for her fans every second of the day, and does so most admirably, I must say. Fans everywhere learn that there are no substitutes for love and loyalty, to dream big, and always stay true to yourself.
Plot: When Jackson accidentally ruins Miley’s stuffed bear, she gets back at him by destroying his signed baseball. Her guilt level rises though, when Jackson apologizes and has her bear repaired. Hannah must then step in in order to help Miley replace the ball.
Personal Thoughts: This is the show that an entire generation of little girls has grown up on. While I may not agree with where “grown-up Miley” is taking us, I must admit that tween Miley provided self-confidence, joy, talent, fashion, and devices to deal with best-friends, heartbreak, school, and family to each and every one of her viewers.
Educational Tie Ins/Learning Activity: I think Hannah Montana is a great show to include in programming targeted specifically for young tween girls. It can be used in conjunction with literature, both fiction and non, on all of the topics that Miley/Hannah deal with on the show.
