Find Me by the Pine

Some summers change your life forever. Devin Wheeler’s is about to break him first.

Twelve-year-old Devin has a knack for chaos—pranks, trouble at school, and a long track record of pushing his parents’ patience to the brink. But when one explosive stunt too many lands him in the back of a police car, his summer of freedom is exchanged for something much harsher: exile to his grandfather’s remote, rundown shack deep in the Indiana backwoods.

To Devin, it feels like punishment worse than prison. No friends, no video games, no distractions—just a grizzled old man he barely remembers and an endless list of chores. But under the strict rules, early mornings, and blistered hands, something unexpected begins to take root. As days turn into weeks, Devin finds himself facing more than just physical labor. He’s confronted by the man he’s becoming—and the pain he’s been hiding behind all the mischief.

With sharp humor, emotional depth, and a heartfelt exploration of family and resilience, Find Me By The Pine is a coming-of-age story about what happens when rebellion meets its match—and a boy discovers the quiet strength hidden in the most unlikely of places.

Through blistering heat, tough lessons, and one unforgettable summer, Devin will learn that real maturity isn’t earned through punishment—it’s forged through connection, humility, and the courage to change.

Perfect for fans of heartfelt coming-of-age tales, rural Americana, and stories of personal growth, Find Me By The Pine captures the messiness, magic, and meaning of growing up—one hard-earned day at a time.