Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

Fourteen-year-old Franny feels like an outsider in her family. Her hair never cooperates, she's no good at anything, and she has a horrible name. Those things wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that her family is very talented.

Her mother is off in Kenya starting a successful career as an anthropologist. Her father is the owner of a clothing store. Her sister, Zooey, has become a ballet star and has the diva attitude to go with it. With everyone so wrapped up in their careers and lives, Franny becomes lonely and embittered towards her sister, the only one who is ever around.

When her sister breaks her leg during a career-making role and is homebound for weeks, Franny is forced to make a choice: avoid her or live with her. As Zooey starts to encroach on her sister's life and longtime crush, Franny begins to feel threatened. As tempers heat up and the truth comes out, will Franny be able to bury the hatchet and make peace with her sister, or will a guy drive the final wedge in their relationship?

Franny's character is well-developed and likeable. Her sister's diva attitude is well-constructed. The story is well-crafted and does a good job of holding the reader's interest. Although the references to J.D. Salinger's FRANNY AND ZOOEY won't be caught by those who haven't read his work, this book is wonderful and can still be enjoyed without being familiar with the classic story.

Those who like Sarah Dessen's books or realistic fiction will enjoy reading MY ULTIMATE SISTER DISASTER. ( )