On the afternoon of December 23, 2011, Judi Merriam's eighteen-year-old son, Jenson, took his own life-an act that blindsided everyone who knew him-changing her life and those of her family forever.

This is the story of Jenson's life and death-and of Judi's path to surviving without the physical presence of the kind, intelligent, and endlessly creative young man she never imagined she would outlive.

 Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on, and finding community. This tender meditation on coming-of-age invites us to flourish wherever we find ourselves.

“With brisk plot, witty details, and thought-provoking concepts, this gloriously illustrated book makes an ideal family read-aloud.”
— Horn Book starred review

Award-winning science writer Nancy Castaldo traveled across the United States and to other countries to research communities having a water crisis. The result is "When the World Runs Dry: Earth's Water in Crisis." 

Castaldo takes readers from Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey, to Iran and Cape Town, South Africa, to explore the various ways in which water around the world is in danger, why we must act now, and why you’re never too young to make a difference.
 

Local author Bernard Melewski will sign copies of his book, "Inside the Green Lobby: The Fight to Save the Adirondack Park." Melewski worked to save the Adirondack Park from twin threats to its future: the devastating damage from acid rain and the sudden breakup of massive private land holdings. His interesting and important stories illustrate how environmental advocates successfully pursue legislative and policy changes. Melewski is an environmental attorney, organic farmer and winery owner in Altamont.

Sarah LuAnn Perkins will sign copies of her children's book, "On a Rainy Day."

Stuck indoors due to inclement, a girl and her father pass the time together.

“There’s a lovely subtle message in the narrative—when distractions... are removed, we can experience the simple joys of being with loved ones. A sonically rich story that captures the simple joys of rainy days at home” — Kirkus

Sarah LuAnn Perkins is a local illustrator and author of whimsical stories for children. She teaches art classes in the Schenectady area.

Nicole Stott will sign "Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet–and Our Mission to Protect It."

Inspired by insights gained in spaceflight, a NASA astronaut offers key lessons to empower Earthbound readers to fight climate change.

Nicole is a veteran NASA Astronaut with two spaceflights and 104 days living and working as a crew member on the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle. She is a cofounder of the Space for Art Foundation — uniting a planetary wonder of space exploration and the healing power of art.

Local author Bruce Dearstyne will sign copies of his book, "The Spirit of New York." In this lively and engaging book, Dearstyne presents New York State history through an exploration of nineteen dramatic events. The stories in this book illustrate the spirit of New York – the elusive traits that make New York State unique – and the complexity of its history.
Dearstyne is a historian specializing in New York State history. He has served as a program director at the New York State Archives and has taught at many colleges and universities in the state. He lives in Guilderland