You can be smart, successful, and deeply dissatisfied. Beware the Smart Kids is a novel about why that happens—and what we misunderstand about happiness. In a town where young people spend years learning to succeed, the lesson they really need is the one their parents are hiding from. But a mysterious ex-convict is about to change all of that. Nolan Sussman badly wants two things before high school ends: to win the attention of Gabi Meyers and to find his runaway sister, Sarah. But one prank too many nearly gets him expelled. He's sentenced to spend his summer doing yard work for Mr. Barno, a former high school teacher who spent 25 years in prison. Nolan knows only one thing about the old man: his nickname is Death Row Barno. Everything else the teen hears is just small town rumor, or so he thinks. When Nolan sets out to discover the truth about Mr. Barno, he soon discovers that it's not only Mr. Barno's past that's shrouded in mystery. It's the town's past—a past that none of the town's parents can get over, especially Gabi Meyers' mom. Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Co-Winner Grades 7-12 (2025) A story for "those who feel invisible, those who are hiding their pain, those who think they'll never find the answers, those who are yearning for something but don't know what." - author Margaret Standafer "So vivid and well paced, I could hardly put it down." - Review "Compelling characters, stunning story, and plenty of twists and turns." - Review "You'll laugh and cry though the pages of this beautiful story. And you too will want to follow the Atlas." - author Annie James Thomas "Nothing short of wonderful...this story resonated with me on so many levels." - Review An "all-consuming story" - Review "An honest look at teenage life in the twenty-first century." - Derek Gallagher, high school psychology teacher. "In his remarkable debut novel, Matthew Kushin explores the delicate, sometimes painful journey to understanding, kindness, and that most precious of attributes, empathy. Saddled with self-doubt and a long simmering guilt, Kushin's main character steps outside himself to understand through another's eyes what it truly means to be isolated and reviled, yet remain true to who and what he might be. This is powerful writing, immensely engaging, and distinctive in both tone and theme. It merits a place on the bookshelf of any serious reader." -Greg Fields, Through the Waters and the Wild , 2022 Winner, Independent Press Award for Literary Fiction "With Beware the Smart Kids , Matthew seamlessly weaves philosophy, humor, and an honest look at teenage life in the twenty-first century. As the cast of characters search for meaning, purpose and happiness, I couldn't help but see myself in each of them. The book uplifts the spirit, challenges the mind, and opens the heart towards a kinder universe. Plainly put, it will change the lives of those who read it. " —Derek Gallagher, high school psychology teacher "It's hard to imagine how differently I could have seen life if I had read Beware the Smart Kids when I was seventeen. Once you enter the world of this coming-of-age story, you'll have a hard time coming back into your own without a positive perspective shift. A worthwhile read!" —Shelby Daugherty, Advocate for Appalachia " Beware the Smart Kids is a story for teenagers...those who feel invisible, those who are hiding their pain, those who think they'll never find the answers, those who are yearning for something but don't know what. And it's a story for 'former teenagers' who are now trying to raise and love a teenager, but who have likely forgotten the hard parts of being one. Kushin's debut novel is a poignant coming-of-age story with relatable characters and a powerful message on finding happiness." —Margaret Standafer, best-selling author of I Know an Old Lady . Hello! I'm Matthew. I'm a professor. I teach a class on happiness and media use. I was inspired to write this novel because of the mental health crisis and the loneliness epidemic we are facing.   Social scientists have identified gaps between what we think will make us happy and what actually does. This book explores several of those gaps in an uplifting and accessible way.    In the story, the protagonist, Nolan, learns 5 lessons about happiness that are derived from social science and the contemplative traditions that can help anyone reclaim happiness and human connection. Lost. Mierable. Lonely. Desperate for something more. That's life for teenager Nolan Sussman until an ex-convict who knows the 5 secrets to happiness returns to town. Misfit troublemaker Nolan Sussman badly wants two things before high school ends: the attention of Gabi Meyers and the return of his runaway sister, Sarah. But when his latest prank goes awry, Nolan is nearly expelled. He's forced to spend his summer doing yardwork for Mr. Barno, a reclusive former high school teacher who spent 25 years in prison. Nolan