Updated: September 29, 2010

Craig (Keir Gilchrist) worked really hard to get accepted into a prestigious New York City high school. Once he arrived, all the work and life at the new school started to seem beside the point and the usual methods of teenage coping didn't help shake off what started as standard teen angst, but quickly escalated into something more serious. So, he decided to call the suicide hotline which landed him in an adult psychiatric ward of the local hospital.

That's the basic premise of "It's Kind of a Funny Story," the book and the movie (in theaters October 8th!). And there's much more to be enjoyed in Craig's story as he navigates the hospital and its patients and finds a way to make amends with his life, both inside and out of the psych ward. Of course, he does all this with the help of some friends, including Bobby (Zach Galifianakis) and Noelle (Emma Roberts), some doctors and assorted hijinks.

Perhaps the best part of this not-your-average-teenage comedy is the that it's based on the real-life experiences of author Ned Vizzini. Which makes it truly relatable to anyone who is, or has ever been young and in a rough spot. Read more about him in our gallery, and don't miss the trailer for the film below.

Want more? You have a chance for Ned to come to your school. Here's what you have to do:

Demand it! And bring author Ned Vizzini to your high school. Click here to get started.

The top 5 schools win, plus the top school gets a cast appearance and all attendees will receive a copy of the novel. One Demand per person per school. The competition ends October 17, 2010.