"Lean on Pete" is a novel by Willy Vlautin that tells the story of a 15-year-old boy named Charley Thompson. After moving to Portland, Oregon, Charley finds work at a racetrack, where he develops a bond with an aging racehorse named Lean on Pete. When he learns that the horse is in danger of being sold, Charley embarks on a journey to save him. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for belonging. As Charley travels across the American landscape, he faces various challenges and meets different people, all while trying to protect his beloved horse.