A Friend Like Zilla

Sheree Haughian is an elementary-school teacher-librarian in
Orangeville, Ontario.

In spite of their unconventional names, Zenobia and Zilla would appear
to have little in common. Zenobia, a well-read young girl from Ottawa,
is visiting Prince Edward Island with her family. Zilla is a
developmentally delayed island teenager with a love of adventure and a
great knowledge of birds and animals. Nevertheless, the two bond
immediately. Their friendship is put into jeopardy when Zenobia’s
snobbish Uncle Chad arrives. A rapport that seemed normal and natural
withers under his highbrow scrutiny and the social barriers he imposes.
It takes a near-calamity to put human differences and similarities into
proper perspective.

While this sensitive novel is by no means confined to a narrow
audience, its clear language and simple narrative style make it a
possible reading choice for children who may be experiencing some
learning delays. The resolution of problems and changes in attitude are
perhaps a bit too slick and convenient, and the message of mutual
tolerance might have been delivered with a slightly more subtle touch. A
Friend Like Zilla manages in spite of this to smooth over any tension
between lecture and literature reasonably well. Recommended.