Bear Boy: The True Story of a Boy, Two Bears, and the Fight to Be Free
Bear Boy is a true-life coming-of-age story of two bears who inspire one boy to stand up for animals, question authority and discover the power of activism.
"This is a book that will encourage you to follow your dreams...I simply couldn't put it down." -Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace
"An empowering story of a young man who discovered his words count, his actions count, and he counts...Delightful in umpteen ways." -Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA
"A truly empowering story of compassion, activism, and self-discovery." -Jasmin Singer, author of Always Too Much and Never Enough
Justin is a typical teenager, dodging school bullies and waging an endless war with his parents. But when he discovers Ursula and Brutus-two sibling black bears being kept in horrific conditions at a nearby zoo-his life begins to change. He finds a cause that ignites his passion and an animal sanctuary willing to take the bears. But there's a catch: he'll have to cover the quarter-million-dollar cost.
Undaunted, Justin takes his seemingly insurmountable quest to an international audience, gaining media attention and support from celebrities. With television cameras rolling, Justin fights to free the bears, and it turns out himself.
Justin Barker's surprising and moving YA memoir offers the optimism of the 1990's while exploring timely issues of activism, animal rights, and LGBTQ+ identity with tenderness, unblinking honesty, and heart.
Additional Praise for Bear Boy:
"In this compelling, honest, and moving story, Justin Barker proves that one kid can make a big difference. Old and young, rich and poor, black and white, LGBTQ and straight-we all have the power to change the lives of animals for the better."-Sy Montgomery, NYT bestselling author, The Soul of an Octopus
"Justin sets an example for what a motivated young person can do to impact their community and the world. Written with honesty and humor, it's fun to tag along as Justin fights his long battle to save Brutus and Ursula. We need more stories like this." -Jamie Margolin, cofounder, Zero Hour; author, Youth to Power
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Jane Goodall is the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees, which she has been studying for 60 years in what is now Tanzania. She is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, and for the past 30 years has been speaking about the threats facing them, as well as other environmental crises, and of her hope that humankind will solve the problems it has imposed on Earth. In 2002, Goodall was appointed to serve as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2004 she was named a Dame of the British Empire.
"Bear Boy is a beautiful, badass hero. I'm inspired by his creative spirit and his courage to speak up, stick to his convictions, and act on them. I'm shoulder to shoulder with him in the brighter future he's creating. You should come with--and you should read Bear Boy. This is an epic page-turner." --Jo-Anne McArthur, founder, We Animals Media; author, Captive
"An empowering story of a young man who discovered his words count, his actions count, and he counts. This is his story of finding a way to liberate incarcerated bears--Ursula and Brutus--and finding his own identity. A book changed him and this book may change you. Delightful in umpteen ways."--Ingrid Newkirk, founder and president, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
"A truly empowering story of compassion, activism, and self-discovery. Justin takes us through his inspirational journey of overcoming obstacles with persistence and passion to make a tangible difference for animals." --Jasmin Singer, author, Fabulous Vegan and Always Too Much and Never Enough
"Bear Boy is a fantastic read--deeply engaging with twists and turns, high stakes, and big heart. I'm so grateful to Justin Barker for telling this story--and for having lived it."--Michelle Tea, bestselling author, Valencia and Against Memoir
"Barker's casual writing style establishes an easy flow to a narrative that spans years; along the way, it presents detailed snapshots of specific animals' plights and moments in the author's personal life, resulting in an unpredictable and original work. An unconventional remembrance that will encourage readers to try to create change themselves." --Kirkus Reviews
"Bear Boy is a blueprint and inspiration for young animal lovers everywhere that one small, insistent voice can have a big impact. This book would have been a godsend when I was a queer, animal-loving kid."--Nicole Georges, graphic memoirist, Fetch and Calling Dr. Laura
