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It Only Looks Easy
Before the first day of seventh grade is over, Kat Randall's year is nearly ruined. When her beloved dog, Cheddar, is run over by a woman with Alzheimer's disease, Kat reacts impulsively, leaving school on a "borrowed" bike. If "one of the best years" of her life starts out like this, what's next?
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 26, 2011
It Only Looks Easy by Pamela Swallow is about Kat Randall, who is in seventh grade. Kat's dog is hit by a car driven by a woman with Alzheimer's disease. She cannot wait any longer to hear about her dog's condition so she "borrows" a bike and heads to the vet. While she is inside, someone steals the borrowed bike. Now that the bike is stolen, she has to earn money and replace it. The police thinks she has something to do with the other missing bikes. People are looking at her differently now.
I didn't really like this book. I didn't like the plot. I think the "stolen bike situation" dragged on to the story too long, like the whole book is about a stolen bike. Although I didn't like this book, it was good in terms of showing the characters' personalities. I think people who likes mysteries might like it.
I didn't really like this book. I didn't like the plot. I think the "stolen bike situation" dragged on to the story too long, like the whole book is about a stolen bike. Although I didn't like this book, it was good in terms of showing the characters' personalities. I think people who likes mysteries might like it.
March 23, 2020
This book is a nice, quick, easy read that is worth anyone's time. It has its flaws, which I will list below, but overall a good book.
Flaws:
-Too fast at the beginning. I'd like to get to know the dog so I understand the grief. You know when I dog gets hurt in a movie or a book and you want to cry? That's not a problem in this book because you don't have enough time to actually know the dog to care.
-Melody. She's all like, "oh, you stole my bike? That's okay. I understand. I'm sure you're a nice person even though I don't know anything about you other than you stole my bike and let it go missing."
-Over-reaction. This plays into the first flaw, because maybe if I knew about the relationship between the dog and Kat I would give her some leeway. But she seriously has to leave school to go to the clinic? I just don't think that's believable for any real middle schooler. They'd at least wait until they'd heard some bad news, whereas Kat was just reacting to a call that wasn't picked up.
Virtues: (now for the good!)
-Nice, short, and sweet. It isn't too long, which is good because it was a relatively simple story. There didn't need to be more of the book. Definitely a good thing was the length, and not because I didn't want to read more. This isn't supposed to be a sarcastic "thank God it's over", I really do think this length was a good choice.
-Realistic portrayal of the crush/Grace/Abby/Tim situation. Can't go into details without spoilers here, but I love this side plot. It seems pretty middle-schooler-like, speaking from recent-ish experience.
-MRS. LAWRENCE. Here we have the redemption of Kat, where the reader learned that Kat actually was a good person. I loved Mrs. and Mr. Lawrence, and the scenes with Mrs. Lawrence were so sweet.
- The older sister, Hannah. I really like Hannah, who didn't fall into the stereotype of worst sister or best sister somehow.
Overall, three stars. Goodbook.
Predictability: ehhh... depends on which point. I'll give it a three for that too.
Flaws:
-Too fast at the beginning. I'd like to get to know the dog so I understand the grief. You know when I dog gets hurt in a movie or a book and you want to cry? That's not a problem in this book because you don't have enough time to actually know the dog to care.
-Melody. She's all like, "oh, you stole my bike? That's okay. I understand. I'm sure you're a nice person even though I don't know anything about you other than you stole my bike and let it go missing."
-Over-reaction. This plays into the first flaw, because maybe if I knew about the relationship between the dog and Kat I would give her some leeway. But she seriously has to leave school to go to the clinic? I just don't think that's believable for any real middle schooler. They'd at least wait until they'd heard some bad news, whereas Kat was just reacting to a call that wasn't picked up.
Virtues: (now for the good!)
-Nice, short, and sweet. It isn't too long, which is good because it was a relatively simple story. There didn't need to be more of the book. Definitely a good thing was the length, and not because I didn't want to read more. This isn't supposed to be a sarcastic "thank God it's over", I really do think this length was a good choice.
-Realistic portrayal of the crush/Grace/Abby/Tim situation. Can't go into details without spoilers here, but I love this side plot. It seems pretty middle-schooler-like, speaking from recent-ish experience.
-MRS. LAWRENCE. Here we have the redemption of Kat, where the reader learned that Kat actually was a good person. I loved Mrs. and Mr. Lawrence, and the scenes with Mrs. Lawrence were so sweet.
- The older sister, Hannah. I really like Hannah, who didn't fall into the stereotype of worst sister or best sister somehow.
Overall, three stars. Goodbook.
Predictability: ehhh... depends on which point. I'll give it a three for that too.
June 12, 2017
Katia "borrows" a bike which is then stolen; bad decisions have consequences
December 23, 2017
Lost me when a 7th grade girl said "You're too impetuous." Literally no one talks like the kids in this book do. Couldn't get over that point.
Read
May 7, 2020i remember reading this with noa in 5th grade reading🥺✊🏻
November 2, 2012
It Only Looks Easy is a book by Pamela Curtis Swallow. It is about a girl named Kat who was going into grade 7. Before she went to school her dog named Cheddar got ran over by a women who had alzheimer's. Her dog had to go to the hospital and when Kat went to school she couldn't wait to see Cheddar. Kat wanted to see Cheddar so much she stole a bike to go to the hospital. She left a note saying"Dear person with blue bike. I took your bike but I will bring it back tomorrow, and a new lock." Kat went to the hospital and waited to hear what happened to Cheddar. Cheddar was going to be fine. Kat was going to go back to school and then the bike was stolen. So she was a bike and that bike was stolen. Kat got in trouble with her parents, the police, and no one wanted to be around her. But her friends. Other bikes were stolen and everybody thought it was her, but it wasn't. A teacher felt sorry so he started to hang out with her family to let them know they have a person to talk to. The teacher brought his wife over one day for a barbecue. The teacher and the parents went inside for drinks. Kat and the teachers wife stayed outside. The teachers wife had alzheimer's and so she ran away because she didn't know where she was. Kat called the police and they showed up. The teachers wife came back and everyone was so worried. In the end they found out who stole the bikes and Cheddar was okay.
The best thing about the book was that they were able to find out every part of the book and not leave it till the very end. Otherwise I don't have a favourite part. The worst thing about the book was that they didn't use very many descriptive words.
The best thing about the book was that they were able to find out every part of the book and not leave it till the very end. Otherwise I don't have a favourite part. The worst thing about the book was that they didn't use very many descriptive words.
October 5, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date: Swallow, P. C. (2003). It only looks easy. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
Genre: Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Plot summary: Unlike other Alzheimer books, which focus on a family member with Alzheimer’s, It only looks easy takes a different tact. This book follows Kat, a young girl about to enter 7th grade. As she gets ready for her first day of school her dog Cheddar is hit by a car driven by an elderly lady named Mrs. Lawrence. Kat has to go to school but she’s worried about her dog. She calls the hospital multiple times through the day but nobody can tell her anything. Anxious to see Cheddar Kat ‘borrows’ a bike, leaving a note for the owner. Due to her actions Kat is suspected of having a role in other bike thefts and her reputation in the community begins to change. Kat struggles to deal with the consequences of her actions and deal with her hatred for Mrs. Lawrence. Kat cannot forgive her for hitting her dog, until she begins to learn more about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Mrs. Lawrence’s disease.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Injury of an animal, Alzheimer's disease, morality, and stealing.
Review citation: Snelson, Karin. (2003). It only looks easy. [Book Review]. Book List.
Gray, B. Allison. (2003). It only looks easy. [Book Review]. School Library Journal. 49(4), 169.
Section source used to find the material: EBSCOhost: Children’s Core Collection (H.W. Wilson), Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 10 and up
Genre: Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Plot summary: Unlike other Alzheimer books, which focus on a family member with Alzheimer’s, It only looks easy takes a different tact. This book follows Kat, a young girl about to enter 7th grade. As she gets ready for her first day of school her dog Cheddar is hit by a car driven by an elderly lady named Mrs. Lawrence. Kat has to go to school but she’s worried about her dog. She calls the hospital multiple times through the day but nobody can tell her anything. Anxious to see Cheddar Kat ‘borrows’ a bike, leaving a note for the owner. Due to her actions Kat is suspected of having a role in other bike thefts and her reputation in the community begins to change. Kat struggles to deal with the consequences of her actions and deal with her hatred for Mrs. Lawrence. Kat cannot forgive her for hitting her dog, until she begins to learn more about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Mrs. Lawrence’s disease.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Injury of an animal, Alzheimer's disease, morality, and stealing.
Review citation: Snelson, Karin. (2003). It only looks easy. [Book Review]. Book List.
Gray, B. Allison. (2003). It only looks easy. [Book Review]. School Library Journal. 49(4), 169.
Section source used to find the material: EBSCOhost: Children’s Core Collection (H.W. Wilson), Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 10 and up
November 6, 2014
The book was wonderful. But the solution to it was disappointing I was hoping there was more action in it I'm not going to spoil everything but its sad book at the beginning and then it gets kind of boring. But I didn't really like the ending. It didn't make much sense to me. read the book and find out what happens then tell me if you understood
May 31, 2009
I loved this book because it's about what everyday people sometimes go through. It's about a bad time in someone's life.
May 15, 2009
It's one of those books that I regret reading. It's boring, and does not achive what it obvioulsy wants to tell people.
November 3, 2016
This is a short novella about seventh grade Katia. Her older sister is constantly borrowing her clothes and jewelry. Kat 's love is her dog Cheddar, a Golden Retriever. Cheddar helps Kat choose her clothes and even disconnects the phone when sister Hannah is talking.
There is the usual drama that accompanies Jr. High. Cheddar digs under the backyard fence because she smells cheese from the neighbor kids across the street. Kat calls her home and of course Cheddar comes running when Kat calls. This time a car rounds the corner and does not see Cheddar until impact. Kat feels responsible; next day is first day of seventh grade.
Kat is beside herself, worrying. Cheddar is at the Vet, in shock. After lunch, Kat decides not to wait for Vet call, and go see the dog with her own eyes. It is a fair distance, so Kat "borrows" an unlocked bike. She parks the bike on the side and goes in to check on her pet. When she goes back for the bike, it is gone!
What follows, is Kat is known as bike thief. She has to go to work to buy a new bike for the girl whose bike is missing. About this time, Kat learns the lady who hit her dog, is suffering from Alzheimer's. As strange as it seems, Kat ends up befriending the lady. She helps in the flower beds. On her return home, she learns of a bike graveyard under a river bridge. Sure enough, as bikes are wenched up out the water, Kat sees the missing bike, minus tires and seat. Police are familiar with Kat and think she may be part of the stolen bike parts scheme.
How Kat rebuilds her reputation is a good read. There are many supporting characters besides family. It is an enjoyable story, woven in 168 pages. All of it is believable, in this day and age.
There is the usual drama that accompanies Jr. High. Cheddar digs under the backyard fence because she smells cheese from the neighbor kids across the street. Kat calls her home and of course Cheddar comes running when Kat calls. This time a car rounds the corner and does not see Cheddar until impact. Kat feels responsible; next day is first day of seventh grade.
Kat is beside herself, worrying. Cheddar is at the Vet, in shock. After lunch, Kat decides not to wait for Vet call, and go see the dog with her own eyes. It is a fair distance, so Kat "borrows" an unlocked bike. She parks the bike on the side and goes in to check on her pet. When she goes back for the bike, it is gone!
What follows, is Kat is known as bike thief. She has to go to work to buy a new bike for the girl whose bike is missing. About this time, Kat learns the lady who hit her dog, is suffering from Alzheimer's. As strange as it seems, Kat ends up befriending the lady. She helps in the flower beds. On her return home, she learns of a bike graveyard under a river bridge. Sure enough, as bikes are wenched up out the water, Kat sees the missing bike, minus tires and seat. Police are familiar with Kat and think she may be part of the stolen bike parts scheme.
How Kat rebuilds her reputation is a good read. There are many supporting characters besides family. It is an enjoyable story, woven in 168 pages. All of it is believable, in this day and age.
January 28, 2018
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I made the mistake of picking up a book with a dog on the cover. I almost stopped reading after the first chapter when the dog gets his by a car. As soon as Kat starts talking about how great her dog is on the first page, I thought, "Oh no, it's going to be one of those books." Thankfully, the dog doesn't immediately die or anything and the book isn't about Kat's grief over her dead dog. Hooray.
This turned out to actually be a pretty good book. I'll admit, it's a little more stretched out than I would have liked, but a lot happens. It isn't just about her dog getting hit by a car. It isn't just about dealing with the whole bike theft thing. It isn't just about tutoring the annoying girl in math or meeting the woman who accidentally hit her dog. It's a whole bunch of things rolled into one that helps Kat grow as a person and learn through experience.
A good book for young readers, because a lot happens in a relatively short amount of time and Kat has to deal with some important, complex issues (fights with friends, reputations, making new friends, and of course the whole dog thing). This is a good book for kids who like to read.
And...
I made the mistake of picking up a book with a dog on the cover. I almost stopped reading after the first chapter when the dog gets his by a car. As soon as Kat starts talking about how great her dog is on the first page, I thought, "Oh no, it's going to be one of those books." Thankfully, the dog doesn't immediately die or anything and the book isn't about Kat's grief over her dead dog. Hooray.
This turned out to actually be a pretty good book. I'll admit, it's a little more stretched out than I would have liked, but a lot happens. It isn't just about her dog getting hit by a car. It isn't just about dealing with the whole bike theft thing. It isn't just about tutoring the annoying girl in math or meeting the woman who accidentally hit her dog. It's a whole bunch of things rolled into one that helps Kat grow as a person and learn through experience.
A good book for young readers, because a lot happens in a relatively short amount of time and Kat has to deal with some important, complex issues (fights with friends, reputations, making new friends, and of course the whole dog thing). This is a good book for kids who like to read.
And...
March 17, 2020
I thought this book was okay. I felt that Katia’s “borrowed” bike situation was drug out way too much. I feel like the story could have focused on other aspects.
I did like that the book touched on some pretty serious things, like Mrs. Lawrence’s Alzheimer’s, the stress of middle school, the stress of having parents expect so much of you, and even Cheddar getting hit by the car. There were so many things to be taught and I think the author could have used those things more instead of drawing out the bike incident.
I did like that the book touched on some pretty serious things, like Mrs. Lawrence’s Alzheimer’s, the stress of middle school, the stress of having parents expect so much of you, and even Cheddar getting hit by the car. There were so many things to be taught and I think the author could have used those things more instead of drawing out the bike incident.
June 22, 2017
The theme of It Only Looks Easy is even though bad things happen in life it doesn't mean that you can't be happy. This is the theme because the main character, Kat's dog gets hit by a car and she gets very worried about him. Kat was just about to start her 7th grade year too. But even though her dog was having a hard time she still tried to be happy at school. This is why I think that even though bad things happen in life it doesn't mean that you can't be happy is the theme of the book.
January 21, 2022
For the month of January, this book is naturally fitting. Katia's new year in school is just like going through a new year. Everything seems bad but as we get along with the time, we can adjust to it with the help of the people around us. I hope for the happiness of Mr. and Mrs Lawrence. I hope they have a safe trip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2017
It was pretty good, I just wish it had more to the story. When I finished it, I just felt like it was missing something. I wish the author expanded more on Melody, Chedder, and the Lawernces. Overall it was still pretty good.
November 4, 2016
I really liked this book! It is a really sad book i cried because of what happened to the dog
I would recommended this book to anybody.
I would recommended this book to anybody.
May 11, 2017
I love it
November 13, 2019
I have the original book and so far it is really interesting I am almost done with it
April 16, 2022
I loved this book. That's all!!!
February 2, 2023
I read this book in like 5th grade & loved it! I just remember this being a book I could not put down. I may re-read this some day.
March 15, 2023
I enjoyed this book as a kid, not so much as an adult. Middle school drama is so dumb.
August 16, 2023
wholesome book for dog lovers - 5/10
December 23, 2023
It’s a cute and short book! Kat Randall is one of the kindest characters I read!
July 23, 2024
Super cute story, this book is what got me into reading when I was 12. I have reread this books a hundred times since first picking it up. I love it so much!
May 2, 2025
Another book I read with my 7th graders; lukewarm reception
September 23, 2025
Very cute book. I loved it a lot.
December 4, 2025
Very simplistic story with many
February 23, 2017
It Only Looks Easy by Pamela Curtis Swallow is an emotional story . Sometimes when I read this book I would look at my dog and get a bit emotional. There would be questions I would ask myself, like: What would happen if my dog got ran over? how could I live without her? This book is definitely one I would cry about ! But the way the main character reacted was a little too extreme. Heck! She skipped school and stole a bike! I just laughed thinking about what she did! I gave this book 4/5 stars because I am not really interested in dog stories. They just make me so sad! But, I do recommend this book if you like emotional dog stories!
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