Below is a guest post by author, clinical psychologist and parenting expert John Duffy. His new book is about achieving healthy relationships with your teens and tweens.

Connecting with Teens in a Small Screen World
By John Duffy,
Author of The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens

We are on vacation in Florida with another family. Three young teenagers are on board, my 13-year-old included. A number of times over the past week, I have peered over to see each of their beautiful faces lost in a 3 ½ inch screen: a Nintendo DS, iPhone, iPod Touch, or any other thing i!

One might be texting friends back home, another might be selecting a new song, while yet another is playing the latest downloaded game. There they were in the car last night, screens lighting their faces. There they were on the couch, in front of the giant TV screen! Even in bed, all faces illuminated, eyes entranced.

So how is a parent to counteract the draw of the tiny, sophisticated, intoxicating hand-held plaything?

Well, for one, recognize that if you can't beat them, join them. Whatever it is that is displayed on that tiny screen, your teen is clearly engaged in it. Sit down with her. Have a look at the contraption. Ask what it does -- teens love to be teachers. Most importantly, ask what your teen loves so much about it. This is a golden opportunity to connect, to get to know your teen better.

And you might want to write her a clever text once in a while: "How are you?" "What are you doing/listening to right now?" I worked recently with a father who took to writing his daughter an "I love you" text every day. He called me with glee the day he got one back.

You need to know that texting is the preferred mode of communication for many teens, whether we adults want that to be the case, or not.

Also, recognize your own addiction to the tiny screen. What I did not mention above is the myriad opportunity I have had to see adult faces lit up by an iPhone in the past several days. We serve as the strongest role models for our teens. Our screen time is seen as latent permission for their own.

Finally, you might want to engage your teen in a different way. For instance, my wife Julie and I designated yesterday's lunch as a "No Screen Zone." We engaged our teenagers in conversation. We talked about music, movies and politics. It was fun, and everyone was engaged and participating.

So make sure you protect some time together where all screens go dark.

© 2011 John Duffy, author of The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens
 
Dr. John Duffy, author of The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens, is a highly sought-after clinical psychologist, certified life coach, parenting expert, and proud parent. He has been working with teens, tweens, and their families for more than fifteen years. For more information please visit http://www.drjohnduffy.com/ and Amazon, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

See also: Unique Advice Book For Moms of Teenage Daughters

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There is no use denying it. The combination of television and music is a powerful force. TV/music series are the most watched shows on television and the songs they produce are at the top of the sales charts. A new Glee soundtrack album debuted this week, "Glee presents the Warblers", to number 2 on Billboard. It appears that an episode of Glee can do more for sales than even the best music videos.

I think the idea for a Warbler's album was a great one. Darren Criss and Chris Colfer are two of the best singers on Glee and I loved many of the songs they sang. I'm so glad that Somewhere Only We Know (Keane), from this past episode is included. Some of my other favorites include Teenage Dream, Blackbird and Raise Your Glass.

I'm not sure what Glee's longtime plans are for Darren Criss, but I hope that he stays around for a long time. He has been a great addition to Glee. And it is nice to see Kurt happy. However, the music is my favorite part of the show, so I'll keep watching as long as the Glee kids keep singing.

See also: Majors & Minors - Teen Singing TV Contest with Celeb Coaches

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Do you remember the "spot the difference" picture games that you played with your kids? If you think that your kids have now grown to old for them, Life Picture Puzzle Books are perfect for teens and adults and would make a great activity for parents and teens to do together.

Why are these puzzles better for an older audience?

• They are much more difficult than the usual children's spot the difference puzzles
• Instead of drawings, Life puzzle books use beautiful photographs (Life is known for its photos) which kids might not appreciate as much as adults and teens.

The newest book, The Extraordinary Picture Puzzle Book, is the 12th book in Time Home Entertainment's best selling puzzle book series. Previous books in the LIFE series have had themes ranging from exotic animals to jubilant holiday celebrations. This newest edition includes 128 pages filled with photos of spectacular moments which are best described simply as extraordinary and is split into four sections based on difficulty – novice, master, expert and genius.

 Have fun with your teens seeing who can spot more of the differences in the pictures. 

See also: 4 Fun Nonfiction Books For Teens and Tweens

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The first Saturday in May is known as Free Comic Book Day, the day when participating comic book stores give away comic books for free to anyone who comes into their shops. This year Free Comic Book day falls on May 7, 2011.

The goal of Free Comic Book Day is to promote the comic book medium to both new customers young and old and to celebrate independent comic book retailers and their stores. Comics are a great way to get children and teens to read more.

To find a participating comic book store near you, click on the Store Locator button at the Free Comic Book Day website. Thousands of independent comic book specialty shops in North America alone are signed on. Each store will determine the number of free comics to give out, but everyone will get at least one. You can preview the comics available for giveaway in 2011.

Free Comic Book Day can be a great family outing. Don't sell comic books short. They are an original American art form that are fun to read, featuring a wide range of diverse story lines that capture the imagination of the readers. If you are new to comics, why not learn more?

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The following was written by Marie-Charlotte, a 15 year old teen, who will be submitting articles to Connect with your Teens from the teens point of view.

All teens are bilingual. They speak the mainstream language when necessary and teen language among themselves.  Parents want to understand these words so that they can relate and at least pretend to be in the know. It is already so difficult for some parents to communicate with teenagers.  Not understanding the words that we use makes communication even more grueling, so here are some of the more important words you should know.  

Parents may wonder why we think everything is "awkward" and why we say "I mean" before every sentence.  Here's an example of a teen conversation:

  Teen A: Let’s go to Zabars for lunch.

  Teen B: Awks [notice the shortening of awkward] how you promised   we would eat at Euro Pan Pizza.

  Teen A: I’m so prepared for the quiz.

  Teen B: I mean, awks how I haven’t even studied. 

These are easy enough to understand even for the thickest of parents.  Being awkward is the equivalent to being cool in a profound way. Not cool as in the cool you might find in a middle school dictionary (Overrated, Out-of-style, Loser) but cool as in…for lack of a better word (and this one of from the 1960s), "groovy." It may seem weird, but in some ways having quirky little nerd moments actually makes you appear cooler.           

Then we are faced with words such as the incessant “like.” I am a teenager and even I can’t understand why we say like to fill up every pause. It’s as though “um” became trite and was replaced by the incredibly groovy “like”. And "whatever" is another teen standby as a non-committal holding word in teen conversation.   Another example of a conversation:

   Teen A: Why is he so, like, stupid?

   Teen B: I know! I, like, hate him.

   Teen A:  Whatever. Do you want to like go to the movies at, like, 6:00?

   Teen B: Sure, whatever.  Wait, did I tell you who’s, like, coming to camp next year?

"Like" and "whatever" are not just bridging words from one thought to another, but also filler words, designed to fill the void in a conversation and avoid awkward silences (we teens HATE awkward moments).  But, when you want to try to speak teen, don’t completely rule out the use of “um”. "Um" is a word that I doubt will ever leave any of us.

Another popular and potentially confusing term is "sick." It has been a popular term for quite some time. Most teens are already moving on to "ill."  If I were to say, “Oh my God, your blackberry case is so sick!” I would basically be saying “Oh my God, your blackberry case is “hot.”” The same goes for "ill." Although you don’t want to be sick, you do want to be a sick or ill person with sick or ill belongings.  Get it?!

This next newly popular phrase is synonymous with freaking out. Well now, get ready for, “You’re, like, having a baby!” For example, in class the other day, a student raised his hand for almost every question and argued with those who said he was wrong. This act was swiftly met with, “You’re, like, having a child.” It means that they are acting as though the world will end tomorrow and EVERYTHING is about to change big-time. You can also use the phrase instead of saying “When she finds out she will have a cow.”  

Kid. Cow. Whatever.  Hope I cleared some things up for you.  If not, awks...

Marie-Charlotte

I hope it is helpful learning how to connect with your teen directly from the source. Please let us know if there are any particular areas you would like her to cover in future articles.

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Amanda Lenhart, a senior research specialist at the Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project recently held a talk on commonly held assumptions about how teens and young adults use technology. "How Do [They] Even Do That?" Myths and Facts About the Impact of Technology on the Lives of American Teens helps break down fact from fiction in the changing use of technology among America's youth.

Date was gathered from surveys and focus groups from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. Be aware that most of the surveys were from 2009, so results are slightly outdated.

"How Do [They] Even Do That?" Myths and Facts About the Impact of Technology on the Lives of American Teens

View more presentations from Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project

Were you surprised by any of the results on teens and technology use today?

See also: 
How Teens Use Technology in Their Social Lives: Ericsson CES Preview
Cell phones considered essential by teens 
Trends in Teen Communication and Social Media Use

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This morning I appeared on a segment of the WPIX Morning News Show in NYC dealing with Prom, and how to talk to your teens about drinking and sex beforehand. The segment was a discussion between co-anchor Sukanya Krishnan, psychologist Dr. Larry Balter and yours truly.

You can watch it all right here:



The most important advice to remember, whether about sex, alcohol or drugs, is:

• When trying to talk to your teens, remind them that you were once a teen yourself, with the same fears and anxieties that they have. You've been through it and understand and can help.
• Let them know that they can tell you anything and you won't freak out.
• Tell your teens that they can call or text you at any time, day or night, and you will come get them, without judgement.
• Giving information on safety is not the same as giving permission. It is just sensible.
• The most important money to spend on prom night is for a car and driver.

This talk about prom was on of the WPIX morning show's weekly "Moms The Word" segment.

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The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

See answers from the Dean of Admissions from University of Pennsylvania, Wesleyan, and have your questions answered at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork 

“As a junior looking to stay on top of my college admissions timeline, what are the most important things for me to be doing before senior year starts?” – Andrew S., Renton, WA

A: This is your chance to stand out from the crowd!

Junior year is essential to college admissions. Let colleges know you can maintain good grades. If you haven’t worked your hardest, challenge yourself to improve your performance this semester and next. Be well prepared for SATs/ACTs, studying and practicing on your own or with a tutor. Give extracurricular activities an extra boost. Colleges are looking for students who show initiative, leadership, passion, and significant service. Volunteer in your school or community and explore summer academic and internship opportunities. If you’ve been active, look for ways to enhance those activities – e.g. become an officer, run a community drive, increase your service hours.

-          Laurie Favaro – Independent College Counselor, Favaro College Counseling

                     

A: Organizing for senior year

As a parent, a helpful role is that of chief organizer, as an extraordinary amount of information needs to be gathered. While much information is now electronic, sometimes it is helpful to have an old fashioned portfolio. A three-ring binder with pocket files or clear sleeves with sections for: Semester Grades, Activities, Awards, Special Certificates, Outstanding assignments, SAT/ACT dates and scores, Monthly Calendar with college visits and fairs, Essay drafts, and so on. Leave the binder in an obvious place, place the deadline dates on the family calendar as well, making sure your student has the dates. Hopefully, that is all the encouragement needed.

-          Sandy Furth – College Advisor, World Student Support

A: Learn the process so you can plan for Success

By your junior year you should have a list of colleges that you are interested in attending. Contact an admissions counselor at each of these colleges to learn about the admissions process and requirements. This information will be useful in determining if you meet the admissions requirements and also in planning your campus visits during your senior year. Also get the contact information of the admissions counselor you speak to and ask if you can contact him/her in the future. Lastly, find out if a college accepts the Common Application. The Common Application can save you valuable time and energy.

-          Kekoa Morton – Student Services Manager, University of Redlands School of Business

A: As the old saying goes “Poor preparation will lead to poor performance”

Putting together a college budget with your parents during the senior year can help alleviate some of the stress of college preparation. Budgeting early could reveal the possibility of not being able to go to college due to lack of funds.  It is important to start putting together a budget of projected college expenses in your junior year based on your top college choices.  This will allow you to research affordable colleges and sources of revenue for your education (such as scholarships, financial aid, work-study, or other sources).  Your parents should be able to sit down with you and outline how much (if any) they can contribute and offer helpful suggestions on how to make your budget. 

-          Doris Sarr – Director of Adventures in Math & Science, Murray State University

A: Stay Focused and Remember This Is All About You

There is plenty on your to-do list as a college-bound junior but don’t lose sight of how important your 11th grade academic work will be when your application is reviewed.  Stay focused on success in the classroom—that’s really important!  Then, as you make your list of colleges, consider carefully whether they reflect the academic environment in which you will be challenged and offer the opportunities you are keen to pursue.  The best college for you may not be the name most familiar to you or the college that’s best for your friend.  Take time to carefully consider what’s important to you and let that drive your college search. 

-          Nancy Benedict – Vice President for Enrollment, Beloit College

                                                                                                                                            

Don’t miss answers by the Dean of Admissions from University of Pennsylvania, Wesleyan, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions

See other articles in the Unigo Expert Network series:  
College Size - How Important Is It In Choosing a School?
College Financial Aid Packages 
College Waitlists and Backup Schools - Help! 

Can Facebook Hurt Your College Acceptance Chances? 

Should Rankings Matter in College Selection? 
Make the Most of College Campus Visits

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Even though "ignorance of the law is not a defense", YouTube has decided that since the copyright law is so complex, they will help educate violators so that they can become upstanding YouTube citizens. To this end they released a new tutorial on copyright and a redesigned copyright help center.

This is a great move. YouTube is still strongly committed to protecting copyright, but realizes that can be better done by educating rather than punishing. YouTube users with three violations will still be suspended, but hopefully with this new copyright educational program in place, there will be many less three time violators.

I highly recommend to anyone that posts any form of media online to watch the YouTube Copyright School Video and take advantage of the materials in the YouTube Copyright Center. Because, don't forget, "ignorance of the law is not a defense".

See also: 
Do You Know What is Trending on YouTube? 
YouTube: An Insider's guide to Climbing the Charts - Book Review

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Does your high school have enough guidance counselors so that each student gets all the help that they need? Are you frustrated that students in private schools and other districts receive more counseling than you or your teen? You just might be able to remedy this injustice with SuperFutures, the website that helps students answer the question: "What do I want to be when I grow up and how do I get there successfully?"

Jennifer Openshaw, CEO of Family Financial Network, created SuperFutures to bring online guidance counseling with Harvard experts and help teenagers succeed in college, career and life. Online Coaching consists of an online learning platform with real-time audio via phone so that students can participate while viewing the lesson. They will also be able to engage in discussion with other students. Students have access to the coaches during classes and outside of class time also.

Glee's Principal Figgins, Iqbal Theba, has joined up with SuperFutures as a partner and spokesperson and to help with the Dare2Dream National Video Contest. The winner will get a trip for 2 to Hollywood, have lunch and a mentoring session with Figgins (Theba) and free SuperFutures coaching.

There is a great deal of information that you can get for free on the SuperFuture's website before you need to begin paying for classes. You'll have free access to:

• Webinar on 5 Things Every Parent Should Know
• Expert Advice and How-To's for Teens
• Videos and articles from Glee's Principal Figgins on anything from "How I found my passion" to "Spring Break? 10 Tips for Teens"

Once enrolled, there are many online courses for teens 14-18 and college students related to career, college, life and money and material for parents too. In today's increasingly competitive marketplace, you can no longer assume your teen will get into college, graduate and get a job. The competition is fierce. Maybe this will be the leg up your teen needs.

See also:  
College Size - How Important Is It In Choosing a School?
10 Ways Parents Sabotage Job Search and 5 Ways Parents Can Help
Your LifeBox Helps Teens Follow Their Dreams to a Career
 

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This list of the 25 most popular twitter entertainment users is actually a very entertaining group of twitterers. This list represents people (and, in the bottom 5 below, websites) that not only are part of the entertainment industry, but also write very entertaining tweets.

What this list is not, is a mere celebrity list. You will not find Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber here. You can probably tell, just by the twitter descriptions that each entertainer chose below, just how amusing their tweets actually are. Have fun following them.

Individuals

1. Ellen DeGeneres @TheEllenShow Comedian, talk show host and ice road trucker. My tweets are real, and they’re spectacular.

2. Conan O'Brien @ConanOBrien The voice of the people. Sorry, people.

3. Alyssa Milano @Alyssa_Milano ☮, ♥, and BASEBALL. I tweet a lot. Consider yourself forewarned.

4. Jimmy Fallon @jimmyfallon astrophysicist

5. Ashton Kutcher @aplusk I make stuff, actually I make up stuff, stories mostly, collaborations of thoughts, dreams, and actions. Thats me.

6. Kevin Spacey @KevinSpacey Former shoe salesman now making a go at film and theater. Wish me luck...

7. Neil Patrick Harris @ActuallyNPH I act some. Dig variety acts, Pixar, puppets, theme parks and great meals.

8. Roger Ebert @ebertchicago Film critic since time immemorial.

9. Tom Hanks @tomhanks I'm that actor in some of the movies you liked and some you didn't. Sometimes I'm in pretty good shape, other times I'm not. Hey, you gotta live, you know?

10. Rainn Wilson @rainnwilson I am an actor and a writer and I co-created SoulPancake and my son, Walter.

11. Ben Stiller @RedHourBen The real Ben Stiller. Sort of, whatever real means.

12. Demi Moore @mrskutcher

13. Jon Favreau @Jon_Favreau director of Cowboys & Aliens

14. Michael Ausiello @MichaelAusiello Founder and Editor-in-Chief, TVLine.com

15. Oprah Winfrey @Oprah Live Your Best Life

16. John Cleese @JohnCleese Yes, I am still indeed alive, contrary to rumour, and I am touring my one Cleese show.

17. Joel McHale @joelmchale Chinese born Actor

18. Kevin Smith @ThatKevinSmith It begins with me covered in sperm, trapped in my old man's balls. Then, suddenly... ESCAPE!

19. Nathan Fillion @NathanFillion It costs nothing to say something kind. Even less to shut up altogether. BTW, I sometimes tweet a lot. Take me off text alerts!

20. Jim Carrey @Jim Carrey Actor Jim Carrey!

Magazines or Websites

21. The Hollywood Reporter @THR

22. Entertainment Weekly @EW

23. Variety @Variety

24. Rotten Tomatoes @RottenTomatoes Unite the critics, inform the world

25. IMDb @IMDb The folks at IMDB talking about movies, TV and celebrities

Twitter was made for social networking but in can also be entertaining as well. While I may not be nearly as much fun as those above, if you would like to follow me as well, you can find me on Twitter @jenwag57. Have fun.

See also: Twitter 140 Characters Conference Highlights

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Some of my family's best parent - teen bonding has occurred during our vacations together. And with spring finally arriving, it is time to start planning summer vacations. Three of our favorite family summer vacations have been trips to National Parks.

My family's favorite National Parks  are Acadia National Park in Maine on the ocean and Bryce National Park in Utah, like a mini Grand Canyon made of orange sand. Our favorite memory was when we were driving in Montana to Glacier National Park and our rental car was attacked by a swarm of locusts. Luckily all the windows were closed!

Travel writer and photographer, James Kaiser has 5 Reason why National Parks are PERFECT for family vacations (and I completely agree with all of them):

1. Cost
America's national parks are an absolute bargain. Not only are they home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, visiting them costs next to nothing. A week-long pass to most parks costs $20 for an entire family, and campsites cost about $15 per day. (Or, if camping's not your thing, you can stay at a reasonably priced hotel.) Still not convinced? The most popular activities—ranger tours, hiking trails, campfire talks—are all free! Next to staying at your rich uncle's summer house, there isn't a better travel bargain in America.

2. Convenience
Most Americans live within a day's drive of a national park. From Acadia in Maine, to the Everglades in Florida, to the smorgasbord of national parks in the West, chances are there's a national park near you. And finding a nearby park has never been easier. Just go to the National Park Service's "Find A Park" webpage to start planning your next vacation.

3. Physical Activity
Going to the gym is boring. Hiking along the rim of the Grand Canyon or next to a rainbow-filled waterfall in Yosemite is a breathtaking experience. In fact, given all the outdoor adventures available in national parks—hiking, biking, rafting, rock climbing—it's hard not to be active on vacation. And the best part: it doesn't feel like exercise, it feels like fun!

4. Education
National parks are amazing places to learn about history, science, and nature. It's one thing to hear about archaeology or biology in a classroom. It's another to actually experience those things firsthand. Visiting a desert palm oasis once inhabited by the Cahuilla tribe in Joshua Tree or gazing upon a herd of bison in Yellowstone really brings the classroom to life. And who knows? It might just provide the intellectual spark your child needs to get excited about learning.

5. Quality Time … Unplugged
National parks are a great place to ditch your technology, get in touch with nature, and spend some quality time together as a family. And the best part: you don't have to fight with your kids to turn off their iPhones. Most parks are located in remote areas with poor or spotty cell phone reception. Unplugging has never been easier! 



If you are thinking that your teens or tweens won't like hiking or appreciate the beauty of the scenery, that is exactly what I thought. But, believe it or not, my sons surprised me. They really got into the hiking and we also took boat rides and explored. I did my research beforehand and always found an amusement park or something I knew they would love, to add to the trip. 

So what are you waiting for? Check out my blog post about the U.S. National Park Service Website - you can learn everything you need to know about the parks there. James Kaiser has written guidebooks on Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park and others that I have linked to above. Make those memories now before it is too late.

See also:  
Best Vacation with Teens - Universal Orlando Resort
Family Vacations for Teens and Parents

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With the recent release of Black Swan on Blu-Ray and DVD, Twentieth century Fox launched the Black Swan Experience website which asks, Are You A Black Swan Or A White Swan? Watch some clips from the movie, click on words or phrases that describe your feelings and find out where you stand.

If you haven't already seen Natalie Portman's Academy Award winning role as Nina Sayers in this very dark psychological thriller, you can now view the film at home. Keep in mind, though, that Black Swan totally warrants its R rating and is not for teenagers under 17. However, there are topics that older teens and parents can discuss, such as overbearing mothers (not me, of course).

Both the Black Swan Blu-Ray and DVD contain Metamorphosis: A behind-the-scenes documentary with Darren Aronofsy (director, also known for The Fighter, The Wrestler and Requiem for a Dream) in 3 parts:

1. Visionary Directing
2. Physically Demanding Acting
3. Stunning Special Effects

The Blu-Ray version of Black Swan also contains these extras, in addition to Metamorphosis:

1. Behind the curtain- An inside look at ballet's influence on the film's costume and production design.
2. 10 Years in the Making - Natalie Portman and Darren Aronofsky discuss their creative journey.
3. Cast Profiles - Roles of a lifetime.

So, which are you, a Black Swan or a White Swan?

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If you are asking yourself the above question, then you probably wonder why Facebook does not come with a guidebook or manual. O'Reilly Media has taken it upon themselves to add Facebook: The Missing Manual to their line of Missing Manual Books, for people just like you. Completely updated, the 3rd ed. was just released in March, 2011.

Whether you are not yet on Facebook and want to see what all the fuss is about, or are already signed up, but want to see what else you can do besides find old friends, Facebook: The Missing Manual will walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to do everything you can do on Facebook. From things that you need to know to just for fun apps, you will learn your way around Facebook in no time.

Here are just some of the things you will learn how to do on Facebook:

   1. Sign up for an account
   2. Create and edit your profile
   3. Join networks
   4. Everything you need to know about Facebook friends
   5. Sending messages
   6. Your wall, including status updates, news feeds and more
   7. Join Groups
   8. Attend in person events
   9. Shop
  10. Hire and get hired
  11. Project collaboration
  12. Advertise
  13. Use Apps and Games
  14. PRIVACY
  15. Facebook Mobile

If Facebook: The Missing Manual doesn't give you all the help you need, there is an Appendix in the book that points out all of the online places that users can go for help. Other than standing over your shoulder, there isn't much this book doesn't do. So there is nothing standing in your way. Go ahead and start social networking.

See also: 
Misconceptions About Foursquare
Why and How to Use StumbleUpon
Why Adults use Facebook: LOL Video 
Facebook Slang - Keeping Up With Your Teens

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I recently read all three books of the Hunger Games trilogy and highly, highly recommend them to both teens and adults. I loved each and everyone of them. But don't wait too long. I predict that when the first movie opens during the Spring of 2012, The Hunger Games will become as talked about as Harry Potter and Twilight.

25 things you should know about the Hunger Games trilogy:

The Books
1. The names of the books, in order, are The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

2. The Hunger Game books are dark and violent and are not for children or tweens.

3. The main themes running throughout the trilogy are death, justice, survival, good vs. evil, government and haves vs. have nots.

4. The Hunger Games takes place in an unidentified future time period after the desruction of North America in a nation known as Panem. As punishment for the uprising of a 13th district, and to keep the remaining 12 districts in line, the Capitol requires each district to send one girl and boy, between the ages of 12 and 18, chosen through a lottery called a reaping, each year, to compete in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death.,

5. The lead character is 16 year old Katniss Evergreen, from district 12. After her younger sister, Prim, is chosen in the reaping, Katniss takes her place.

6. Katniss has lived alone with her mother and sister since her father's death in a mine explosion (most of the men in district 12 were miners) when she was 11. She became the sole provider of food since her mother's grief was overwhelming.

7. Katniss did all her hunting with her best friend (and somewhat romantic interest) Gale. Since hunting was illegal, they had to sneak out of the district to do so.

8. The other tribute chosen from district 12 to go to the Hunger Games with Katniss is Peeta, a baker's son and the same age as Katniss.

 9. Another very important character is Haymitch Abernathy, the only living winner of the Games from District 12, a drunk, and the mentor to Katniss and Peeta in the Hunger Games.

10. Characters from the capitol includes Effie Trinket, the escort for District 12; Cinna, Katniss's stylist and President Snow.

11. Most of the other characters in the book are the other tributes. Tributes are what those selected for the games are called.

12. Career tributes are kids from the richest districts, one and two, that train for years for the Hunger Games and are generally the strongest.

The Movie
13. The first movie of the trilogy, The Hunger Games, is tentatively set to open March 23, 2012.

14. Jennifer Lawrence, Academy Award nominee for Winter's Bone will be playing Katniss Evergreen.

15. Josh Hutcherson (The Kids are All Right) will be playing Peeta Mellark.

16. Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song) will play Gale Hawthorne.

17. Most fan complaints over casting are about hair color! (Hair dye, anyone?)

18. The plan is for the Hunger Games movies to be rated PG-13.

19. Fan speculation has now turned to the casting of Prim Everdeen, Katniss's younger sister, and Rue, the young girl from District 11 that Katniss befriends during the games. I am most interested to see who will play Hamish. Shouldn't be too hard to find a middle-aged actor who needs to be sarcastic and drunk for most of the movie.

The  Author
20. The author of the trilogy is Suzanne Collins, who previously authored a 5 book series for tweens, The Underland Chronicles.

21. Suzanne Collins worked on the staffs of Nickelodeon shows, Clarissa Explains it all and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, among others.

22. While working on a WB kids show, she met children's author James Proimos, who talked her into trying books.

Websites
23. If you are a fan and want to discuss the books or upcoming movie, the are many Hunger Games fan sites and forums available online, such as Mockingjay.net and JabberJays.com.

24. The Hunger Games has its own Hunger Games Wiki. This is in addition to its Wikipedia pages.

25. Test your abilities for the Hunger Games with a Trial By Fire simulation test.

One of the best qualities of the Hunger Games books is that you can't put them down. Once you begin the first, you better have the second and third on hand. If you've already read The Hunger Games trilogy, whatever else you may think, you can't deny that they are extremely exciting.

See also: 
30 Movies for Teens 2012
The Hunger Games YA book series - Will this become the next Harry Potter or Twilight?

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