The Tome Story
Tome Society began in 2012 as a grassroots effort by two sisters—both public school media specialists—with a shared passion for student literacy. They set out to create a book club that would connect young readers across the country through engaging stories and literacy-based competitions.
What started with less than 100 attendees at the first TomeCon has grown into a national organization, now welcoming over 2,000 participants each year. With over 250 chapters nation-wide, Tome Society continues to inspire students to read, lead, and grow through the power of literature.
What started with less than 100 attendees at the first TomeCon has grown into a national organization, now welcoming over 2,000 participants each year. With over 250 chapters nation-wide, Tome Society continues to inspire students to read, lead, and grow through the power of literature.
Meet the Board
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Jennifer Parker, Founder & President
Board member since 2012 Former FBLA Advisor & Business Ed teacher Current middle school media specialist A Favorite Tome Book Award Title: I Must Betray You, by Ruta Sepetys Favorite Tome Memory: Watching a reluctant reader attend TomeCon & come back a reader |
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Becca Hamby, Founder, Program Coordinator, & Reading Bowl Coordinator
Board member 2012-2026 Advisory Board member 2026-present Treasurer Former high school Biology teacher & media specialist Current homeschool mama A Favorite Tome Book Award Title: Snow Like Ashes, by Sara Raasch Favorite Tome Memory: Getting to see my children grow up with Tome & attend their first TomeCon as members |
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Ashley Walden, Secretary
Board member since 2013 Former high school History teacher & media specialist Current nonprofit data analyst A Favorite Tome Book Award Title: Skyward, by Brandon Sanderson Favorite Tome Memory: Meeting a Tome parent "in the wild" & getting to see the reach of our organization |
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Caroline Mott, Executive Administrator
Advisory board member since 2021 Former corporate manager Current hybrid homeschool program director, homeschool mom, & foster mom A Favorite Tome Book Award Title: We Were Kings, by Court Stevens Favorite Tome Memory: My first TomeCon - seeing all of the kids so excited about meeting authors and reading |
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Jessica Burger, Treasurer
Board member since 2020 Former special education teacher Current site coordinator for the FUTURES program A Favorite Tome Book Award Title: Sweep: The Story of a Girl & Her Monster, by Jonathan Auxier Favorite Tome Memory: Fangirl-ing over getting to meet some of my favorite authors |
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Gail Hogan, Vice President
Board member since 2024 Former public library children's librarian Currently enjoying retirement A Favorite Tome Book Award Title: A Place to Hang the Moon, by Kate Albus Favorite Tome Memory: Having dinner with the authors after TomeCon |