#kidslit FlashBlack, The Toothpaste Millionaire

​This post will be part of a series that digs in the archives to find older titles centering Black male characters to examine plot lines and images to trace the evolution of diversity in children's literature.
'The Toothpaste Millionaire' by Jean Merril, 1972, tells the story, set in the amazing city of Cleveland, Ohio, of Rufus, a 6th grader who succeeds in business by developing and marketing his own toothpaste.
Merrill’s book provides a light story about free enterprise, the story features real-life math problems, a diverse group of classmates working together to achieve success in business.
In the vein of Prof. Ghoudly Muhammad (@ghouldy.m), we incorporated Historical Responsive Literacy, by incorporating Madame C.J. Walker, George Washington Carver, and in the spirit of text sets, added information about starting business economics.
The book was re-issued and has a new cover. There are loads of activities online to supplement this book (for primary grades 4-7).
Check out the books and enjoy!