Description:
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.
Brief description: 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.
Review Quotes:
"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