Pete Milano's Guide to Being a Movie Star

Charlie Joe Jackson Spinoffs

by Tommy Greenwald, Rebecca Roher (Illustrations)

Pete Milano has always been the class clown and proud of it. What's the point of having friends if you can't make them laugh, right? Even if doing so has the unfortunate side effect of constantly getting him into trouble. But, for once, Pete's tricks have led him to just the right place at just the right time. Now he's about to become famous, because he's been asked to audition for the hottest new movie with the hottest girl costar. But balancing real life with movie life is way harder than it sounds. Will Pete's newfound fame mean losing his girlfriend and all his friends?

Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 16, 2016

About the author

Tommy Greenwald's book GAME CHANGER has been named an Amazon Best Book Of The Month, a 2019 YALSA Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers, and a Junior Library Guild Premier Selection. Tommy is also the author of the CRIMEBITERS, CHARLIE JOE JACKSON and PROJECT Z series, among many other books for children.

Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.

To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)

Reviews

[Josh Newhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great middle grade tale from author Tommy Greenwald reviewed from ARC! One part Roman Holiday, one part middle school meltdown... Cute, funny and sure to grab audience!

[Nickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A standalone story that touches on the outskirts of Charlie Joe. Pete Milano is not really in the friend circle. He acts out a bit. That leads to him landing a small movie gig. Somehow he is able to stay in school until around 1pm each day and then go to the movie set, film, and be back for supper. As the movie demands more and more, the small group of people that were interested in Pete (now that he is a movie star), as well as his girlfriend, drift farther and farther away. Eventually, it all comes to a head and a lesson in humility might have been learned. I would like to think he will place a higher value on true friendship.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pete Milano, just your average middle school troublemaker, gets a shot to be a movie star after a chance encounter with a movie producer.

I'm surprised that Pete is actually tolerable in this book. I imagined myself being forced to finish this story, as he typically comes off as annoying whenever he makes an appearance in the Charlie Joe Jackson book series. It even came out as more surprising that I find Charlie Joe irritating instead. In any case, it was a decent story with a happy ending. We get to see a glimpse of how the movie industry operates and how they thrive on publicity regardless of whether it's true or false.

[Nam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a nice take on how the movie business effects child actors. I like that Pete started to recognize that his friend's were more important. There's hope for him yet!

[JACOBJACOBJACOB JACOBJACOBJACOB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mix of comedy and drama I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking to find a funny book

[Error · Rating 3 out of 5]

This spin off is decent, I would say. 7/10

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book! I have really enjoyed all of the Charlie Joe Jackson books as well as the companion books about his friends.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pete Milano is transformed from a nobody to a famous child actor almost overnight. He soon learns, however, that being a movie star is not all that it is cracked up to be.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sure to entice just about every reluctant reader within an arm's length, this spinoff from the Charlie Joe Jackson books features Pete Milano, one of Charlie Joe's classmates. While playing a prank on a cheerleader, Pete meets up with a movie producer. Their chance meeting leads to Pete's audition for a movie role opposite the popular Shana Fox. Pete is a natural for the role, but his friends are somewhat surprised when he wins it. But being in a movie isn't all that it's cracked up to be, and Pete watches as his life becomes consumed by his new job and his friends and even his girlfriend grow angry with him. The poor kid simply can't catch a break, especially when Shana uses him in her intrigues with her boyfriend and to gain publicity for the movie. As with all of the books written by this author, this one is filled with humor, authentic middle grade experiences, and helpful life lessons. As Pete discovers, finding balance is easier said than done, and it's hard to be true to yourself when you don't know whom you are.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This spin-off of the “Charlie Joe Jackson” series features Pete Milano. When his latest prank goes awry, Pete happens to meet a casting director who thinks he is the perfect choice for one of the starring roles in her upcoming movie. Pete soon discovers that being a “star” is hard work and friendships with his peers, especially his girlfriend, become strained. Learning lines and being accountable are foreign experiences for the die-hard practical joker. His school life and professional life become difficult to manage and jealousy is a driving force in the plot. The ending plays out much like the plot of his movie, with the hint of another adventure to follow. The humorous and engaging text is interspersed with script dialogue and line drawings. Readers and fans of Charlie Joe Jackson will recognize characters from his books, although they are not a prerequisite for enjoying this title. The premise of this tale will appeal to middle-grade aspiring actors and those who dream of becoming movie stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Pete Milano ducked into a coffee shop, he ran into Iris, who was looking for someone to star in a new movie her company was producing. Pete looked like just the guy! But he’s never even acted before?! Now, after a strange audition, Pete has been cast to star opposite the most popular teen star in Hollywood. Can Pete survive the grueling schedule of filming? Will his friends still like him when all of this is over?

Another companion book to the Charlie Joe Jackson series (Charlie makes an appearance in this one, too) this story can stand on its own. Although this story isn’t as “common teen problem” like schedules and texting, managing a new life experience and dealing with jealous friends makes for a good read. I like middle school drama that boys will read.

Cross Posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter read this book and really liked it. She is an avid reader so for her to say it is a 5 star review is really good. She reads constantly. Thanks to Tommy Greenwald for making books that kids love to read. It is so hard as a parent to find good books for kids to read anymore.

So glad we won this one in a Goodreads giveaway! Thanks again!!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the Charlie Joe Jackson series; great read-alike for Wimpy Kid fans

Pete Milano, one of Charlie Joe Jackson's buddies is spotted by a talent scout and is asked to audition for a part in a new movie. Pete details the whole process with lots of humor plus illustrations to help clarify things.

[Joel Mardling · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourites. I think it's probably tied with "Charlie Joe Jackson's guide to not growing up" and "Charlie Joe Jackson's guide to making money" for best in the series. Please keep writing books Mr. Greenwald

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars