01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, June 19, 2005

BY JEANNE NICHOLSON
Special to The Journal

I AM THE WALLPAPER, by Mark Peter Hughes. Delacorte Press. 229 pages. $15.95.

I Am the Wallpaper is a masterpiece of storytelling by first-time novelist Mark Peter Hughes who sets this entertaining drama in his hometown, Barrington. The characterizations are memorable, starting with 13-year-old heroine Floey Packer, who struggles with her identity as the frumpy younger sister of the "Amazing" Lillian, a girl so popular and spontaneous that their home is always filled with admirers.

When Lillian unexpectedly marries, Floey initiates a program of extreme self-improvement and suddenly begins to shine. Ready or not, people notice the new Floey, especially the boy who really counts in her young life.

But are people noticing her because she's so fantastic, or because her dreadful cousins have posted her diary on the Internet?

It is written as a young-adult novel, but readers of all ages will find the characterizations and the issues surrounding Floey's extended family insightful -- if not familiar. Everyone will be able to empathize with Floey's need for self-esteem, and the vivid emotional roller-coaster she finds herself on when relationships develop.

The fast-paced action of Hughes' narrative reminded me of the many gems written by celebrated Newbery winner, Richard Peck. In fact, Hughes won the prestigious 2003 Delacorte Press Young Adult Novel Competition, which led to his novel's publication. He says he's already completed his second novel and intends to continue setting the plots in Rhode Island because, "It has a unique feel and personality to it."

I wouldn't be surprised if Hughes is writing sitcoms before long!

Jeanne Nicholson is a freelance reviewer in Newport.