by
3.83 of 5 stars
Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what i... read full description

reviews

Feb 21, 2012
Aimee rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Wow, I had a lot of fun reading this book. It wasn't what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised. I picked this book, Shooting Stars, up from NetGalley. The cover and blurb intrigued me. I'm so glad I got a chance to read this book. My thanks to Bloomsbury Children's Books, Walker Children's Books, for allowing me the opportunity.

Jo is such a likable character. I like the journey of self-discovery she went on as she took this "big gig" at the rehabilitation re More...
Feb 11, 2012
Emily added it
I got this book: an ARC from the publisher in exchange for this review
Publication Date: February 28th, 2012
I rate this book: 5/5
Summary:
Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat More...
Feb 06, 2012
Hannah rated it: 5 of 5 stars
When I read the synopsis for this book, I was totally intrigued. When I started reading this book, I was somewhat disappointed. By the time I finished this book, I was melting from adoration.

It took me half the book to warm up to our narrator, Jo. I’m not even going to mince words: Jo annoyed the crap outta me for a good while. I felt like too much time was spent with her talking about the “papping” world (every time she said “pap” my mind went to an icky, not so good place). I wante More...
Jan 30, 2012
Stephanie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she is called in the biz, is a member of the paparazzi. She is 16 and has a distinct advantage over her competition: she is short and can pass for 11 years old. She is able to get into places that no one else can by pretending to be a young girl looking for her mom, or a young girl playing on her Ipod.

Zo Jo has been given a way out of her paparazzi ways: Snap a few pictures of a young singer at a retreat and hand them off to an editor. Sounds easy enough, More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 07, 2012
Katy Book Corner rated it: 3 of 5 stars
2 stars for the first half and 4 stars for the second half

I wasn't feeling this book, but halfway through, it hit me like a ton of bricks, and I found myself really liking it.

I thought the first half was just okay - it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. Jo is a prodigy member of the paparazzo, and she uses her advantage to get the shots no one else can get. After being offered a deal that she cannot refuse, she goes undercover to get shots of a star at the retreat only to More...
Feb 20, 2012
Britney rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I expected this to be a relaxing, fun read, and it totally was, but I didn’t expect it to have any real depth or address any serious issues. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that in a bad way. I like fun, laid-back reads as much as complex, in-depth, controversial reads; I just didn’t expect this one to be too serious. However, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the issues and topics that came up. From losing family members, to moral and ethical values, Shooting Stars reveals that everyone ha More...
Feb 08, 2012
Jen rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Cute cover!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for this book. This was a fun contemporary read that holds a lot of relevancy in today's celeb hungry society.

Zo Jo is a sixteen year old member of the paparazzi and is used to doing whatever it takes to get that "perfect shot". When she's presented with an opportunity that will provide her with enough money to get out of the bizz for good and enable her to do what she really loves, she should jump at the chanc More...
Jan 31, 2012
Taryn Brittany rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a really fun read. After reading the plot summary, you may think you can predict the ending, but I can guarantee that there are some interesting plot twists you won't see coming! The romantic elements were sweet, and I couldn't help but smile during a few scenes. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse into the secret lives of paparazzi and celebrities.

Jo is a likable main character who is easy to relate to. She's driven and goal-oriented. She knows that taking an unpleasant More...
Feb 20, 2012
How often do you get to read a book about paparazzi? A 16 years old girl paparazzo? I would say never. After reading the synopsis, my first reaction was this should be interesting. And it was. Very interesting, indeed. I loved it. It was a fun, easy, quick contemporary book--I was able to read it in one day.

Josephine or Jo is a very likable character. I really like her. She’s quirky, fun, and sweet girl with a goal to be a professional portrait photographer. She might not always like More...
0 comments like (3 people liked it)
Feb 12, 2012
Frezanda rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
Feb 21, 2012
Sydney rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Publish Date: February 28th, 2012

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review: A surprisingly good book, it wasn't as bad as I felt it would have, going into it (even though I chose to read it). I mean, I was expecting a lighthearted chick-lit novel that basically played out like a Disney movie, which, if I'm to be honest, it was. However, Rushby took the plot into more depth and detail and added in some different twists and issues, that made it more intricate than your typical Disney plo More...
Feb 15, 2012
Kailia rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I’ve been in another reading slump lately and it was really, really bad. I wanted something fun and light and cute to read but I couldn’t find anything that fit. When I received Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby, I decided to give it a go. I was happy I did because it was cute, light and fun to read!

You always read about the person whose picture is being snapped and therefore, it was refreshing to see the point of view from the person actually taking the pictures. Zo Jo is a fun char More...
Feb 13, 2012
Mrs.Heise rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Review originally posted on Heise Reads & Recommends

SHOOTING STARS was pretty much what I expected: a quick, cute, light read. At first, I was worried it might end up being a really predictable formula (star in hiding, etc. type of story), but it was actually really refreshing with some fun twists and inspiring coming-of-age revelations for the main character. It was an easy read, but also had a plot that made me want to keep going to find out what was going to happen - in fact I rea More...
Jan 07, 2012
Hannah rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I love the idea for this book - it's so unique! The cover is adorable too. I've never read anything about papparazi before, and it's so far away from my own life, but it sounds really interesting to read about. And while I did love the plot, I thought the characters and writing were lacking, and felt somewhat removed from the whole story.

Even though the idea is great, the plot sounds pretty predictable. It's the kind of plot where you think you have it all figured out before you even More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Feb 11, 2012
Nina rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I didn't quite know what to expect from Shooting Stars, but what I got was a super cute, fun story about Zo Jo and her life as a sixteen year old paparazzo.

Jo is such a fun character. She is incredibly cynical for a sixteen-year-old, but she's had to grow up fast in the business she's in. I liked how she doesn't take herself too seriously, and how she's not afraid to use some dirty tricks to get the best shots. And most of all I loved how she has dreams for her future; even if she's More...
Feb 07, 2012
Rachel rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Shooting Stars. A fun, cute and interesting contemporary YA makes my day and this is that book today. Jo is a spunky young woman but I like that she is a paparazzi and not just a regular girl who goes to high school, likes boys and hangs with her friends. Sometimes that can get annoying to me and I commend Allison Rushby for going a different route with Jo. I found myself rooting for Jo to make the right choice but still wanting her to go to school for photography so I was glad More...
Feb 04, 2012
Kelsey rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Sometimes I just need a fun, light, contemporary read and that is just what Shooting Stars was. Allison Rushby's newest young adult release was an entertaining read that left me eager to grab my camera and scamper off to Hollywood and try to get some great shots. The title is a perfect fit for this book, I love how creative it is. I enjoyed this book and while it was at times predictable, I still found myself smiling at the end. Shooting Stars will certainly appeal to a wide-range of readers and More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Feb 02, 2012
Shanyn rated it: 3 of 5 stars
If you take a minute to think about the title, you can pretty much figure out what this book is about without reading the summary. Jo and her father are paparazzi who spend their time taking pictures of celebrities - Jo's father is a big deal in the paparazzi industry and Jo is famous among the paparazzo because she uses her young looks to get into places they can't.

Because of this, Jo gets hired for a super secret job shooting a famous younger star while he is in a rehab retreat. Ex More...
Jan 13, 2012
Princess Bookie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
My Thoughts: One word to sum this novel up? Cute...

We are introduced to Jo who is a photographer. Not just any kind of photographer but basically she is a paparazzi. She takes pictures of celebrities mostly. Her Dad is also a famous photographer who does the same.

Jo has one big advantage. She's small and looks young. She can easily sneak into a place pretending to be a young kid, people wouldn't give her a second thought thinking she might be filming them.

S More...
Jan 31, 2012
Becky rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Jo "Zo Jo", Foster teen paparazzo extraordinaire, has been hired to follow teen idol Ned Hartnett to a retreat. Jo works to land the perfect shot while resisting falling for for the young superstar.

Rushby writes a cute, fun romance that questions the extreme actions taken by photographers.
Jan 01, 2012
Natalie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Great read. Loved delving into the other side of the camera and seeing how paparrazzi operate. Full review here: http://weloveya.wordpress.com/2012/01/02...
Dec 21, 2011
Amy added it
Teen paparazzi Jo is after photos of Ned Hartnett, teen superstar, but (of course) nothing goes as planned. A great quick read for tweens and young teens--funny, romantic, smile-inducing.
Feb 04, 2012
Gabrielle rated it: 4 of 5 stars
It started out pretty typical and seemingly predictable, but it had a clever twist in the middle and made it a more enjoyable read than I expected. Full review soon at TheYoungFolks.com
Feb 03, 2012
Magan rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Really fun and lighthearted. Had more to it than I initially thought, which made it even more worthwhile to read.

Full review coming soon.
Oct 12, 2011
Meredith marked it as to-read
EEEP! Sounds like a teenage paparazzi! Although sounds predictable... oh well. :)
Nov 11, 2011
Lindsey rated it: 5 of 5 stars
One of those books that just makes you smile. Love the cover too!
Jul 20, 2011
Sounds like it might be a cute read.
Nov 04, 2011
•••Makenna••• marked it as to-read
WOW! Looks great!!
Feb 13, 2012
Casi rated it: 4 of 5 stars
wow!!this was so cute,and the twist,omg,i never saw it coming!!loved it!!:))
Feb 21, 2012
Merin is currently reading it
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children's Books (via NetGalley) for the e-galley of Shooting Stars. A review will follow once I finish reading.