Julian Stern is Professor of Education and Religion at York St John University, UK. He previously worked as a school teacher and is the author of numerous books including Loneliness and Solitude in Education.

• Introduction. 1. Introducing Jan, who is sometimes lonely. 2. What is the difference between loneliness and solitude? 3. Feeling lonely at school. 4. Why do I feel lonely in school? 5. Feeling lonely at home. 6. When do I feel most lonely? 7. What about my friends? 8. How does loneliness affect me? 9. Helping myself. 10. Where is the best place to go? 11. Why does music or drawing help? 12. How can my teachers help, in lessons? 13. How can my teachers help, outside lessons? 14. How can family and friends help? 15. Recommended reading, organisations and websites.

Julian Stern has made an invaluable contribution to this remarkable series. The book, based on sensitive conversations with young people, identifies many situations when a young person may feel lonely - but also (most importantly) how parents, teachers and others misunderstand. Therefore, an important read not only for the young people, but also for those who care for them.