OUR STORY

Friendship. Books.
A shared purpose.

Three longtime friends and one simple hope: put a book into the hands of any child who wants one.

Tina, Melissa, and Madeleine — Tina, Melissa & Madeleine

HOW OUR GARDEN BEGAN

Planting seeds
for book lovers.

Madeleine, Tina, and Melissa met in fourth grade. Their lifelong friendship and love of reading became the foundation for the Lupine Society of Readers.

The society takes its name and inspiration from Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. In the book, the Lupine Lady sows lupine seeds to make the world more beautiful. Our seeds are books and shared stories, helping a new generation of readers blossom.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Meet the Lupines.

The friendships, memories, and love of books that brought the Lupines together.

Tina

I’m very excited to be a part of the Lupine Society. I’ve had the privilege to grow up and continue to have these two ladies in my life after all these years. I actually do not remember having a love of reading books till I had my daughter and grandsons. What an amazing and beautiful way to connect with people, especially loved ones… to read a book side by side, turn the pages, look at the pictures, and even make sound effects that reflect what you’re reading! I think that’s what I’ve enjoyed and loved most of all …. that time together. Times are changing. Books are becoming less available and more reading is done on computers or other electronic devices. The one-on-one time spent reading with others is becoming less. My personal hope is that this organization can bring back the beauty of reading, sharing, and experiencing all there is in reading a book.

Melissa

I’m proud to be a part of the Lupine Society. Madeleine, Tina, and I met in the 4th grade. My love for reading started then. My first love was the Little House on the Prairie series. I still have my copies. I have a degree in Psychology which has allowed me to work as a para educator for 20 years in structured programs for special needs students. I love being involved in the education system, whether it’s volunteering in the classrooms or reading to groups of students. Once a reader, always a reader.

Madeleine

I founded the Lupine Society because some of my earliest memories involve my parents or one of my six siblings reading to me. I began reading and developing my love for books at a young age because of them. My first love was Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I read it the summer my mother died in a car accident; I had just turned 14. Les Miserables taught me the power and healing grace of a great book; I found solace in the life and triumph of Jean Valjean. Les Miserables remains my favorite book today and always. I have a B.A. in English and an M.Ed in Higher Education/ESL. I taught Literature and Creative Thinking (Gifted Education) in rural Washington state for 27 years. I am National Board Certified and a recipient of the Crystal Apple Award for outstanding educators. I’m proof positive that a great book can change a life forever.

LET’S GROW SOMETHING GOOD

A new chapter
starts with hello.

Want to support young readers or bring a program to your school?

Talk with the Lupines

Friendship. Books. A shared purpose.

Planting seeds for book lovers.