12-year-old Ari inherits his grandfather's unspoiled lakeside land and cabin. But his aunt and father want to sell it all to luxury hotel developers.

It's bittersweet: Ari's beloved grandfather has died, but he's left Ari an amazing gift – the inheritance of his log cabin and all the land he owned. Tucked into a small lakeside community, the cabin and its land are unusual, full of secrets to discover…and very, very marketable. With the family's money troubles, the only sensible option from his dad and aunt's point of view is to sell it at a prime price to a luxury resort developer.

As the grown-ups proceed with the paperwork, Ari sets about discovering everything his new property has to offer. Hidden beaches, forest trails, locked doors – and even an extraordinary (and exasperating) new friend who introduces him to a world into which he sees himself just ¦fitting. Not only is it the perfect place to live, it's a connection with his grandfather that is too precious to lose. But the deadline to sign away the property is approaching. How can Ari speak up for his hopes, for his grandfather, and for the land itself?