Lean on Pete

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating a period of profound uncertainty or feeling disconnected from their community. Lean on Pete offers a mirror for those experiencing the weight of adult responsibilities too early, particularly regarding financial instability or family upheaval. It is a story about the quiet, stoic brand of resilience required when the safety nets of childhood fall away. Following fifteen-year-old Charley as he navigates the gritty world of low-stakes horse racing and eventual homelessness, the narrative explores the deep bond between a lonely boy and a horse that mirrors his own vulnerability. While the setting is harsh, the emotional core is rooted in a desperate search for belonging and the lengths one will go to find a true home. Parents should be aware that the story deals with mature themes including death and neglect, making it most suitable for mature high schoolers who appreciate realistic, unvarnished storytelling.