Toothpaste Millionaire
by Jean Merrill, Jan Palmer
Houghton Mifflin 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- entrepreneurship
- friendship
- innovation
- problem-solving
- ethics in business
- teamwork
- perseverance
- math in real life
About this book
When sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower discovers how cheap toothpaste is to make, he teams up with his friend Kate to launch a homemade toothpaste business that quickly takes off. Told with humor and lots of real-world math, the story follows their clever problem-solving as they navigate costs, advertising, and ethics. It’s a quick, engaging read perfect for kids who like inventing, projects, and entrepreneurial adventures. Fans appreciate the upbeat tone, short chapters, and the way everyday math becomes exciting.
Setting: Cleveland, Ohio, late 1960s–1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toothpaste Millionaire right for my child?
Yes — Toothpaste Millionaire is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include entrepreneurship, friendship, innovation.
How long does it take to read Toothpaste Millionaire?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Toothpaste Millionaire takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 17,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Toothpaste Millionaire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Toothpaste Millionaire has an AR quiz available, worth 2 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Toothpaste Millionaire?
Toothpaste Millionaire has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.