Cat I wish I had some advice for this, but I don't really have knowledge. It seems like having an IQ/Achievement testing might be part of the solution (educational psychologist) but 'one stop shopping' where the professionals all work together would be great, wouldn't it?
So maybe to call the local university and ask someone 'if you had a bright 9 year old daughter who wasn't reading, who would you take her to?'
another approach is to see if you can hire a really excellent reading tutor. Some problems are really specific and can best be taken as a 'first problem first' without too much worry about 'what it all means.'
Also, as a friend of the family, I think you are in a good position to 'play math games' and see if you can find any glitches in her math approaches that might point to what is the problem in reading. At the very least, close observation about the best way she learns in Math might be used to help develop stratagies in how to facilitate Reading learning.
When you say 'barely reading'-is she below grade level? If so, what has the school tried? - Can you describe what reading she can do? Does she have any love for literature if it's presented audio? Any books she likes to read? (Sideways School is so funny.)
A local homeschooling mom had a son who didn't read until he was about 11. She didn't go for testing, just kept accomidating his strengths and kept the whole family listening to a lot of books on CD, so that the motivation to read would develop, and the exposure to ideas and vocabulary wouldn't fall behind. I wouldn't have the nerve for that approach, but if nothing can be found, it's nice to know that at least once in a while this sort of thing is just a blip.
I love DeeDee's idea to network with other parents. Our state has a 'Parent-Advocacy' group that will talk to parents over the phone and help them plan their approach. The state education department might also have ideas. In our state the state level resources can't be called into play unless the request comes from the district, and our districts tend to function very autonamously. Perhaps a gentle reminder that there is resource 'above' might trigger that sort of request.
Love and More Love,
Grinity
