A reader wrote in to say1she was feeling lonely at break becauseher best friend wasn't around. Here2our advice to her—and to all kids3feellonely sometimes.

   It's hard4a best friend isn't around—maybe5shemoved to a different school or a different class. You may feel lonely at breakor lunchtime. You want to have new friends.6how do you make them? Maybeit7everybody else already has their friends.But remember,8always room for more friends.

   Start by looking around your classroom—think about9kidsyou'd like to play with. Look for chances to say hi to them, smile, and befriendly. Offer to share something or express your appreciation to them. Invitesomeone to play with you or ask10he or she wants to sit next to you in thelunchtime or not.11you're at break, walk over to kids youwant to play with, act friendly, and say "Hi, can I play too?" orjust join in.

   12you have trouble doing this or you're feelingshy, ask your teacher to help you make new friends. Teachers13prettygood at matching up friends. The best way to make friends14tobe a friend. Be kind, be friendly, share, say nice things, offer to help—andpretty soon, you'll have one, or two, or even more new friends.

   You might still miss that special best friend. But when you see eachother, you can share something you didn't have15sheleft: You can introduce her to your new friends!