Ardea Herodias Books · New edition · On sale September 29, 2026
Now available for pre-order
By Sammie Vance · Illustrated by Talitha Shipman
Sammie Vance was eight years old when she noticed classmates sitting alone at recess. She had an idea: a buddy bench, where a kid who needed a friend could sit and be found. What she did next—collecting bottle caps by the thousands, turning them into benches, and putting them on playgrounds across the country—became a movement. This is her story, in her own words, for readers who are ready to make a difference of their own.
This new edition brings the story up to date, with the latest Buddy Bench numbers. Ages 9–12.
Pre-orders ship on or after September 29. Shipping is calculated at checkout; Colorado sales tax applies to Colorado addresses.
Order direct from the press—25% off list
Paperback
$14.99 $11.24
Hardcover
$24.99 $18.74
Also available for pre-order from your local bookstore:
Barnes & Noble: Paperback Hardcover
Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and program partners
Bulk pricing on orders of 20 copies or more: $12 per paperback and $15 per hardcover for schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations, plus shipping at cost. Program partners, ask us about partner pricing. Every copy earns the author her full royalty.
To order, email mawlecarmel@gmail.com with your organization, a contact name, the number of paperbacks and hardcovers, and a shipping address. We reply within one business day with an invoice and shipping quote.
Paperback ISBN 979-8-952110-90-8 · Hardcover ISBN 979-8-952110-89-2 · Artwork copyright © 2021 Talitha Shipman