This book is much better than I thought it would be! I loved it! It is so good, from the beginning to the end.
Teenagers don't usually have this much love in their hearts! It was such a beautiful story!

Thank you so much, to the Writer, the Publisher, and NetGalley, for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful story.

It was very inspirational, and I dont really like autobiographies, but this was fun and interesting to read, thank you for the opportunity.

A book I'm sorry it took so long to get to! Accessible for younger readers, it's as much a story about perseverance as is it about animal rights. At it's heart, Bear Boy is about not only finding purpose but finding yourself in that purpose - a lovely, affirming read that should inspire more than a few to do what's right.

My Rating: 3.5

I did quite enjoy reading this book but I felt the pace was too slow for such a short book.
The story is based on a true story about James Barker, that finds out he's an animal lover and falls in love with two adult bears. Brutus and Ursula are these two bears that live in poor conditions in the Sacramento Zoo.
Justin makes his life goal to get a better home for them and gets everyone involved in the project.
We also follow Justin figuring out his sexuality and his taste in music and such.

I'm not too fond of rating memoirs/autobiographies because it's someone else's life and it seems wrong to do so. But just because I found it okay doesn't mean you won't like it.

“Bear Boy” by Justin Barker will delve its paws into the reader’s heart. In this self-portraying account verifiable book about activism and growing up, the battle for the assurance of two bears is achieved. The story starts after Justin, an untouchable who never fully discovered his motivation, finds activism and battles for everyday environments for two abused creatures in the nearby zoo. His hardships occur during his middle and secondary school years, making this story about growing up too.

The book was not difficult to pursue with a style that made the pages fly by. The story was fun without feeling mechanical. The fundamental character and storyteller of the story had some good personality development, and the last few pages were extraordinary. I liked the perplexing relational peculiarity this book investigated, and the storyteller’s impression of his people changed as he got more seasoned. It was invigorating to see a person understand that the grown-ups in his life were humans as well. This book likewise moves the readers to get out and make changes in their nearby locals. The story examined campaigning and tranquil dissenting. This book was a genuine advocate for vegan activism, showing the readers the effects, it can have on a local area and for everyone’s benefit.

However, there weren’t a ton of genuine struggles. The story happens over an enormous period, the main thing that integrated the story was an ultimate objective. There weren’t any genuine stakes, nor were their real outcomes when things turned out badly. Also, this book is intended for the middle-grade crowd, which is something important before getting it. It very well may be adored by the readers, however, the style is particularly middle-grade. The language isn’t excessively muddled, the characters don’t manage extremely dull things, and the story is not difficult to understand. “Bear Boy” was elevating and rousing, regardless of whether the plot was not continually captivating. This book is particularly for teens seeking to join the basic entitlement development or any firm devotee to activism.

I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did, so much so I devoured it in one sitting. I thought this was a great book to encourage activism, whilst learning about animals it was great in encouraging young people to stand up ,speak up and try to make a difference, that some things are worth fighting for. Absolutely fantastic

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I love zoo stories, I love animal stories. I apparantly did not pick up on the fact that it was a memoir, but nevertheless I really liked reading it. I think the fact that the story incorporates the bullying and therapy makes it work for me personally. I feel like stories like these could show people, especially the younger generation, that you can definitely make a change, even if it's just you.

A memoir of a 13-years-old boy and how he discovered hiself. As a fellow 13 (from different generations), I am impressed! The way he thinks, his courageous, how he stands up for hiself, and mostly, his love for the animals. This book changed my view to the world & nature (to the good one, of course). Another advantage: the writing style is easy to understand!

I enjoyed Bear Boy so much! The writing was excellent and the story is absolutely breathtaking. The fact that Justin Barker did all of these amazing things as a teen is inspiring and absolutely incredible. I have not stopped recommending this book!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I absolutely enjoyed this book. I definitely plan on reading more books by this author in the near future. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is in stores for $14.99 (USD).

This is an inspirational nonfiction tale of Justin Barker and his unbridled desire to live in a better world. I confess to having never heard of the Bear Boy before and curiosity had me wanting to know more once I read the synopsis and loved the beautiful cover art by Doaly and I wasn't left disappointed but there were definite moments of tears falling.

There needs to be more people in this world with the perseverance of Justin Barker when it comes to seeing what is wrong with the world and working to rectify it. I loved how idle curiosity over a secondhand book during the holidays leads to a fight for humane conditions at his zoo, because God help us zoos in the nineties and earlier where horrific for the wonderful creatures that lived there. I used to hate seeing animals from stories looking so lost when I was young (old soul here..)

I could see clearly a young Justin Barker in my head running up phone bills, and being surrounded by letters and information as curiosity becomes a passion but it's the tale of two essentially forgotten bears that made me cry. I read many of the pages of Bear Boy through tears as Barker recounts the events of Brutus and Ursula's imprisonment and eventual freedom, as no animal deserved to be neglected as they were.

It's a story that should be taught to children everywhere, because stories such as this? Are ones that will hopefully lead to changes in the way we see the world and those we share it with.

But this book isn't just about Justin Barker and his activism bug also his journey from the bullied kid who doesn't know his place with others to him learning about his gender, and finding others who love him for exactly who he is. There were giggles of the scenes of him dancing to the Spice Girls, a soft sigh as he sings Mama over the phone to his Mom in the early hours, and pride as he announces who he is because all of us should find acceptance.

Bear Boy is wonderful. Truly truly wonderful, and I wish I had heard about Brutus and Ursula before.. even if I was left in floods of tears.

This autobiographical story of a teenage boy fighting to improve the living conditions of a pair of bears in California in the 1990s was a wonderful read for any age, though I feel it is most suited for a teenage audience. It has so much going for it that teens can learn from: empathy for animals, middle & high school struggles, bullying, therapy, discovering oneself, coming out as LGBTQ+, and most importantly that one person truly can make a difference when they put their all towards a goal. It was so fortuitous that Justin found his passion when he did, and that he had the drive to work hard, never give up, and get Brutus and Ursula the life they deserved.

However, my only complaint is that Justin comes off as entitled and kind of a jerk sometimes. I'm honestly not sure if he wrote it that way to illustrate how he felt at the time when he was 13 years old, or if he still to this day feels like his mother was out of line (um, I'm pretty sure any parent would lose their **** at a $350 phone bill that you racked up but have no way of contributing towards! Sorry Justin, I'm on your mother's side there.) I was also a little put-off by his pushing vegetarianism on all of his family and friends and his clear disappointment when others wouldn't conform to his ways - but again, I can't tell if that was a reflection of how teenage Justin was or if he's still like that as an adult. I totally understand that teenagers can be like this, and I understand that writing it that way would be relateable to the target YA audience, but as an adult it grated on me.

Justin Barker is an engaging storyteller, and I think a lot of people would find Bear Boy empowering. A touching story of feeling misunderstood, finding yourself, and standing up for others; Barker is self-aware and open about his teenage years in a way that would allow many to relate.

As heartwarming as Barker's story is, the details of animal abuse and neglect he witnesses are horrific. It's incredible how much Barker was able to get done from an incredibly young age by being persistent and unwavering in his beliefs, and it's a powerful lesson on fighting for what's right.

For autobiographical narrative non-fiction, this was an effortless read. The writing isn't elevated, but it's very emotionally driven. I think this book would be a great fit for a teenager or pre-teen on the path to finding their voice and their place in the world.

"This little treasure gave me chills, watery eyes, a wild fire burning in my chest."

"This book was more than a simply memoir to me, it's a reminder and a light in the dark, it's hope condensed in ink."

This is such a powerful read. I love learning about others' paths to activism (particularly veganism/animal activism), and Justin's story was such a delight. It's so important for young people to understand that they can make a difference, they can stand up for what's right and fight against injustice, and change CAN happen as a result.

This was a really good book. Reading the earlier chapters took me back to my own childhood and memories of taking school trips to the Sacramento Zoo. When a boy sees an injustice he is willing to fight to help out two bears. Naturally this isn’t going to be an easy task but they refuse to give up. As this story comes to a close these bears finally get the justice they deserve and a wonderful new home.

Bear Boy by Justin Barker
This is Justin's coming-of-age memoir. Bored, one summer Justin gets his parents to take him to the zoo where he spends his days getting to know the animals and their care-givers. Appalled by some of the care or lack there of he first brings his concerns to the zoo employees and then the director. Nothing changes. Undaunted he seeks out additional resources and advice. He gains media attention and the involves the local government that oversees the zoo. At last, changes are made and things improve.
Inspired by his success, continued concern for all animals he educates himself and continues to fight for animal rights. It is through this work the plight of two bears in a nearby community are brought to his attention.
He wades in again - talking to the bears caretaker, the local government and other activists to improve the deplorable conditions they are trapped in.
This is a great book for middle students and up. Has a wide appeal and a great message of passion, activism., animal rights and the belief that one person can make a difference. Highly recommend.
This book was shared with me from Netgalley, the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book has my heart. I want to thank Netgalley, the Publisher, and the author for providing me with this e-ARC.
This is the story of a young boy called Justin. No, he does not turn into a bear, but he does love them. He loves all animals, except maybe reptiles. He is just scared of those scaly creatures.
This is the story of a thirteen year-old finding himself through animals. Speaking up for them, working up a thick phone bill calling people and organisations that can help them from the deplorable conditions that they face in zoos and in captivity.
The language is simple and since it is written in the first person narrative, it suits the role of a boy that age. However, its simplicity is not to be undermined, it packs a punch, and you might need a tissue or two.
Besides his journey in rescuing two bear siblings named Ursula and Brutus, after whom the publication is lovingly named (I am guessing), we also get to see how Justin tackles issues such as bullying, understanding and coming to terms with his sexuality, working out a way to communicate with his parents and to make them understand how close to his very existence these “projects” of his are.
The book manages to make us ask ourselves some very significant questions:
“What is important to you?
Who will you stand up for?
How will you make the world a better place?”

Okay wow.
I was expecting to like this book but I was not expecting to enjoy it the way I did. I read it all in one sitting, and loved it.
Barker's story was really interesting, with lots to learn about animal care and other activism. I particularly loved the discussion of children & young people's ability to make a change, with the author emphasising not only his actions, but also what he learned about defying expectations in order to encourage the younger generations.
It was a good, easy read, and one I'd recommend to everyone.

Although still a minority, active young people are beginning to stand out as a group of heterogeneous and autonomous voices in the civic space. Justin is a 13-year-old with an important mission.
Armed with the information found on the internet, supported by parents, friends, teachers and international networks, active in various local groups and organizations, this would be the world of the young activist.
Justin organizes protests and campaigns to inform people about the conditions in which animals live at the zoo. I consider this a very important read for young adults to be informed and better educated. The author shows that people have the cognitive ability to conceptualize freedom and hope. And, as far as we know, animals don't. So, for them it's an even worse experience, because they can't even imagine a better future.