Questions about Bulking up and Dieting.

I am currently 17 years old, 6'0, and weigh about 135. I've heard from some friends and some family members that in order for me to bulk up like i am wanting to do, i need to start eating a lot of food high in protein. I was also told to drink a lot of Protein shakes; with breakfast, lunch, and after working out. I was wondering if you guys have any tips or anything that i could read up that would help me understand better.

A few questions that i am wondering about. Do protein shakes really help that much? Why exactly am i eating foods high in protein? What are some food high protein foods to eat?