Overview

"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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9781736084328

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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. Thank you, Justin, for showing us what creativity, commitment, and compassion can accomplish for our sweet green earth and all its creatures! -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. This story shows that no person is too young to become an activist and makes me proud of my work in environmental activism. 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 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 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 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

Author Information

Justin Barker is an American animal activist, producer and author of Bear Boy: The True Story of a Boy, Two Bears, and the Fight to Be Free. He was 13-years-old when he launched Citizens Lobbying for Animals in Zoos. Known for his activism, Barker was named One of Twenty Teens Who Will Change the World in Teen People Magazine and featured in National Geographic, Animal Planet, NBC and CBS standing up for Brutus and Ursula, two black bears living in horrific conditions in a California zoo. With his YA debut, Justin hopes to highlight the plight of zoo animals and inspire young people to stand up for themselves, animals and their fellow humans. As director and producer, Barker has circled the globe and criss-crossed continents directing TV shows, documentaries, and producing online education series. He is a Sacramento native who lives in San Francisco with his son Noah and wife Bridget, who both identify as queer. Barker has a BA in Communications, Media Arts and Production from University of Technology, Sydney. Equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and her fascination with wildlife, Jane Goodall braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind's closest living relatives. Trough nearly 60 years of groundbreaking work, Dr. Jane Goodall has not only shown us the urgent need to protect chimpanzees from extinction; she has also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment. Today she travels the world, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees and environmental crises, urging each of us to take action on behalf of all living things and planet we share.

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