A Friend Like Zilla

Description

133 pages
$5.95
ISBN 0-929005-71-6
DDC jC813'.54

Publisher

Year

1995

Contributor

Illustrations by Alice Priestley
Reviewed by Sheree Haughian

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

Review

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.

Citation

Gilmore, Rachna., “A Friend Like Zilla,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed November 4, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/19535.