Nora and the Texas Terror — Judy Cox

Nora is trying to be a good sport about having cousin Ellie's family as long-term guests now that her uncle has lost his job. However, her brash cousin Ellie, the Texas Terror, is taking over Nora's life. Nora not only has to share her room with Ellie and Fuzzy, her frightening pet tarantula, but Nora ends up having to share her desk at her overcrowded school as well. It isn't until a dangerous storm and a school project about family history brings the girls together that Nora learns how to see things from Ellie's perspective. This warmhearted chapter book about families doubling up during hard times is timely and engaging.