Send your letter, along with your first and last name, age, return address and phone number to:

Dear Barbie,

I have this problem. You see, my friends are meeting new friends and they don't want to play with me anymore. I feel as if I'm being left out. How can I get my friends back?

Breanne, 8, Selkirk, Manitoba

Dear Breanne,

Try telling your old friends how you feel about being excluded. Find out more about the new group and their interests so that you can talk to them more easily. Invite them over or to go out. If all else fails, try to take up a new activity or a hobby where you can meet new kids.

Dear Barbie,

I have a problem at school. I'm the second smallest in my class, but I'm the one getting made fun of because some Grade Ones are bigger than me. Some kindergarteners are also bigger than me, even though I'm in Grade Three. The guy who does it most is Kenny.

Paige, 8, Peterborough, Ontario

Dear Paige,

It is hard to feel different, but we all come in different shapes and sizes. This boy may see that you are reacting, so try to ignore him. People also grow at different rates, so don't focus on your size. Develop other strengths; be a good listener and you will find friends who will like you for who you are.

Dear Barbie,

There is this boy who calls me and my family names that we don't like. I try to ignore him but it doesn't work. Please help me.

Sarah, 10, Nepean, Ontario

Dear Sarah,

This boy may be insecure but covers this by putting people down. Knowing this might make it easier to ignore him. Without using this boy's name, talk to your teacher. Perhaps, the class can discuss how insulting it is to call people names. Hopefully, he will recognize himself and stop.

Dear Barbie,

I'm having problems with my teacher. I think she hates me. Whenever I go to ask her a question, she says, "You should have been listening," or she says, "Ask a neighbour."

Jana, 10, Scarborough, Ontario

Dear Jana,

Your teacher may not even know she is upsetting you. Try talking to her and maybe ask your parents to go with you. If you have problems with listening skills, you can get help and work together with your teacher to find better ways to remember things. Writing things down as you hear them and asking for written directions may also help.

Sarah, Breanne, Paige and Jana will each receive a new Barbie doll as their letters were chosen for publication.

Unfortunately, because of the number of letters Barbie receives, she cannot answer all of them personally. But Barbie would like to let all those who wrote her know that she appreciates your letters and drawings and asks that you keep them coming.

TM & © 1998 Mattel, Inc.