I Am the Wallpaper

June 20, 2005
Hughes's energetic first novel recounts the onslaught of disasters occurring to Floey Packer the summer after her seventh grade year. Tired of feeling like "wallpaper, there but barely noticed," when her vivacious sister, soon-to-be-married Lillian is around, the 13-year-old decides to change herself into a "bold, remarkable new Floey. But alas, adapting a brassier look (that includes a black fedora and purple hair) and acting more aggressively doesn't lead to popularity. In fact Floey manages to alienate herself from several people including Calvin, the cute 15-year-old she meets at her sister's wedding, and her best friend, Azra. Ironically enough, what does gain Floey's notice is a Web site devised by her scheming cousins that features a risqué photograph of her as well as segments of her very private diary. When Floey starts getting stares from strangers who have seen the site, it doesn't take long for her to begin wondering if it might be preferable to be invisible after all. Hughes offers a well-orchestrated plot, hilarious scenarios, snappy dialogue and a vulnerable, believable heroine. However, some may question the author's prudence in illustrating how easily and effectively revenge can be carried out through the Internet. Also, it is unclear what—if any—lessons Floey has learned from her experiences. Ages 10-up.

Starred review from May 1, 2005
Gr 6-8 -Floey Packer, 13, bursts right off the page with an engaging vivacity, underlining her determination to not "be the wallpaper" anymore. Not that this fresh, funny, and insightful character could ever blend into the background, but when she embarks upon becoming the "New Floey," she does it with a passion. Partially understood Zen philosophy, visiting cousins, a painful crush on her best guy friend, and violet hair dye all play a part, but it is her diary that really gets the plot moving -especially when it is posted on the Internet by her bratty cousins, and Floey suddenly finds both the New Floey and the real one (who isn't quite as poised and glamorous) in the spotlight. It isn't merely the liveliness of the protagonist, however, that drives this story; humorous incidents abound, character growth is convincing, and the plot moves irresistibly forward. First-time author Hughes merits a place with Louise Rennison, Ellen Conford, and even Paula Danziger on the fiction shelves." -Rhona Campbell, Washington DC Public Library"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2005
Gr. 6-9. When this impressive first novel opens, 13-year-old Floey Packer confesses that she identifies with wallpaper, "there but barely noticed." Her existence becomes more conspicuous after her cousin secretly posts her diary online. Being an Internet cult figure furthers Floey's vow to cast aside her drab persona and assume a bolder, sassier identity; unfortunately, several revelations of a delicate nature put a strain on her already-tense relationships with cute male chum Wen and best girlfriend Azra. The repercussions sensitively and humorously dramatize the awkwardly evolving social dynamics of adolescence. Hughes' clever amalgam of " Bridget Jones' Diary " and " Harriet the Spy " will hold instant appeal for tweens and early teens; older YAs, with expectations of racier fare raised by the sophisticated cover, may find the content (giggly samplings of booze and all) surprisingly tame. But once readers enter the orbit of Floey's screwball charm--her explorations into Zen Buddhism occasion some hilarious haiku--the disappointment should prove short-lived. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2005
When her ultra-popular older sister gets married and leaves for a month-long honeymoon, thirteen-year-old Floey decides she's ready for the limelight--or at least for becoming more popular. Unfortunately, she gains infamy instead when her obnoxious younger cousin publishes Floey's diary online. While the ending is a little implausible, both story and characters will resonate with readers.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)