Beware The Smart Kids Reader Resources

Mr. Barno believed that happiness could change the world.

My name is Matt Kushin. I’m the author of the 2025 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Co-Winning novel Beware The Smart Kids. And I also teach a college class on happiness and media use.

With the help of some friends, I’ve put together resources to help you become a Smart Kid and help spread the Atlas to a Kinder Universe.

1. Beware the Smart Kids book discussion questions
2. Beware the Smart Kids teaching resources and activities
3. Suggested Readings & a deep dive into the Atlas to a Kinder Universe
4. Listen to the Atlas to a Kinder Universe Podcast on Spotify
5. Listen to the Beware the Smart Kids song playlist on Spotify or Amazon Music to hear every song mentioned in the book [note: some songs have explicit lyrics]

Beware the Smart Kids Discussion Questions

Start a conversation about Beware The Smart Kids in your community or classroom.

1. Mr. Barno mentions many different ideas about happiness throughout the novel. Which concept resonated with you the most? Why?
2. How do Mr. Barno’s lessons affect Nolan? What are some changes that Nolan actively makes based off of his advice?
3. Nolan’s relationship with Gabi drastically changes throughout the book. How does their changing relationship help both characters grow?
4. Do you see parts of yourself in Nolan? What advice would you give to him about finding happiness based off of your own experiences?
5. How does Nolan’s relationship with his friends change throughout the novel? Why do you think this is?
6. Nolan faces lots of hardship throughout the novel. How does Nolan deal with grief when these hardships occur? Does the way he deals with these hardships change?

Credit: Discussion questions written by Katie Keckler.