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96th out of 98 books
—
54 voters
The Toothpaste Millionaire
by
Jean Merrill
Likable, clever, and inventive sixth-graders Rufus Mayflower and Kate Mackinstrey develop and sell toothpaste to become millionaires in just one year! This fun, breezy story includes many real-life mathematical problems which the characters must solve to succeed in their budding business.
Paperback, Illustrated, 129 pages
Published
September 4th 2006
by Sandpiper
(first published 1972)
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This was a very good read for my 9 year old son and I together. The story of the narrator's friend Rufus coming up with a business idea, following through with it, AND providing all of the math problems that led them to their entertaining and a good subversive way of getting some math instruction in.
I found my son trying to do the math in his head before I got to the explanations in the book, which was great.
There are parts of the story where the narrator wonders aloud about the effects of bigot...more
I found my son trying to do the math in his head before I got to the explanations in the book, which was great.
There are parts of the story where the narrator wonders aloud about the effects of bigot...more
This is a great little story about how an idea becomes a product becomes a business. As a child, I loved the idea that a kid could become a millionaire by creating something everyone used and then selling it at a reasonable price. As an adult, I enjoy the interactions between the characters. Rufus isn't too smart to take advice from his friend Kate, and through helping Rufus, Kate discovers a talent for writing. The technology is a little dated, and today's children may not be familiar with how...more
If you're in search of a light, humorous read (with a little academic value thrown in) for that upcoming fishing trip with the kids, look no further than The Toothpaste Millionaire. Rufus, a sixth-grader with an unusually keen entrepreneurial bent, and his matter-of-fact friend Kate (from whose perspective this story unfolds) team up to invent a new, better, and cheaper toothpaste. The creation process begins with an average kitchen and empty baby food jars. Rufus and Kate must not only develop...more
I thought this was an adorable book about a smart boy and his friends. It is really a shocking tale of a great idea. I loved it, I even did a book report on it. The story of how I found it starts in my 4th grade elementary library. The library was having a book sale because they wanted to get more books. So When I saw it I just wanted to get it because I thought it would be cool. Boy did it go past my expectations!
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Lots of good lessons here. However, I felt the author was constantly trying to stuff her morality on as many of her pet peeves from the 70s as possible. Her lack of finesse in this area detracted from her great story. It's not that I don't agree with equal rights for men and woman and people of all races. I just wish she wouldn't have used the story of Rufus as such a clumsy soapbox.
We read this for our economics class, and the boys loved it. This book was published in 1972, so there are some dated ideas, and of course, even a little 70's political propoganda thrown in for good measure. I loved the use of math throughout the book, and I loved Rufus and Kate. Such great protagonists! They were smart, and independent, and wonderfully ethical. They worked hard and valued what others had to offer. Most of the characters had a strong work ethic and the most of the adults played...more
I loved this book as a kid. It made me want to become a kid entrepreneur and fire up a printing press in the garage. It had been such a long time since I read it as a kid that I began to doubt that I had actually read it. But I always had the story in the back of my head. I hadn't seen or heard anything about it since the 70s. Then I found an old copy in a thrift store last year for a buck. Joy! I brought it home and read it to my son. He loves it! I don't know if the newer version (currently in...more
One of my favorite books, ever. I picked this up a few years ago at a used book sale and am so glad that I did. A simple story, but an amazing one. It can be quickly read in a few hours. I love every character - especially Rufus, Kate, and Hector.
Great book! I loved how it shows how we can apply math to real life. It was far-fetched as far as story goes, and at same time, why not? Inspires children to not just go with status quo and come up with innovative ideas.
Another of Liam's Bookclub books. Its pretty fun to do this with him! This one was cute and tackled the issue of friendships between black and white kids in the 70s. Liked it - not sure Liam quite got the larger theme.
This excellent little gem on entrepreneurship (now there's a big word for you) can be read in a day -- as proved by my fifteen year old daughter who read (and loved) it this week! I read this years ago and was delighted when she picked it up on her own. I think it should be a "must read" for all kids. Our library owns it and it is hardly ever borrowed.
Not only is it a little treatise on free enterprise, but it also addresses racism -- a white girl moves into a predominantly black neighborhood --...more
Not only is it a little treatise on free enterprise, but it also addresses racism -- a white girl moves into a predominantly black neighborhood --...more
I loved this book on many levels. I loved that there are tons of business words that were used and described. I love that I will never forget how much is in a gross. I loved the math that was done and explained. I just loved this book.
Incredible story (albeit fictional) of youth entrepreneurship. Really, this is pure entrepreneurship* at its finest.
Quick, easy read. Actually a children's book but oh well.
Quick, easy read. Actually a children's book but oh well.
This book was a really long one for me but it was exciting and it showed how a boy who started a toothpaste shop in sixth grade could become a millionaire in 8th grade!...
A great kid's book that has stimulated alot of conversation on frugality, making stuff, and business ownership. Thanks for the lead JoDean. This is a definite reread!
In this book Rufus Mayflower try to save money on toothpaste . His plan was to make his own and sell it for less money. His plan worked. He then started a bussinse with kids in his math class. They started to sell toothpaste for 15 CENTS. In the end Rufus realize that helping people is what he did best. Read the book to find out more.i RECOMMED THIS BOOK TO EVERYBODY. iT IS REALLY A GREAT BOOK.
I love this book as an example of the way things could happen. Hard work, thrift, knowledge and good planning are the heroes of this book.
This book is a great one if u are looking for a nice book to warm your heart this is the book for u I hope u read it!!!!
LOVED this book in our homeschool curriculum! It was a terrific way to show kids the American entrepreneurial spirit.
Fun, lively writing and great characters, with some learning opportunities as well. Fun read-aloud!
Great book for a kid who is interested in starting their own business or inventing things!
One of my favorite books to check out from the public library when I was in elementary school.
I loved this book as a kid and loved reading it to my daughter three decades later.
A good book that says that you are never to young to accomplish anything, even if you want to run a toothpaste factory that makes $2 million in its first year.
i read it for a P.A assignment and I happened to like it
Apr 21, 2012
Carey
marked it as to-read
Barbara's recommendation - one of her favorites as a kid.
it was an epic fail........ very weird................
An introduction to business. Fun and recommended.
One of the most influential books of my life.
Interesting book with lots of math problems in a reading format. Interesting background for anyone teaching algebra or pre-algebra.
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