The Toothpaste Millionaire

Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the cost of things or expresses a desire to start their own lemonade stand or backyard business. It is a fantastic tool for children who possess a natural curiosity about how the world works and who enjoy solving practical problems with logic and math. The story follows Rufus Mayflower, a clever sixth-grader who realizes that making toothpaste is incredibly cheap and decides to take on the big manufacturers by starting his own company. Beyond the business lessons, this is a story about friendship, ingenuity, and social justice. It celebrates the power of a simple, honest idea to challenge a greedy system. While it is a lighthearted middle grade read, it introduces complex concepts like production costs, labor, and advertising in a way that feels like an exciting game. It is a perfect choice for empowering kids to see themselves as capable, independent thinkers who can make a real impact on their community.