Bear Boy by Justin Barker

The true story of a boy who saved two bears from a life of misery. Thirteen-year-old Justin has a boatload of sudden realisations: the meat he gets from the shop once had a life and a will of its own; animals raised for their furs live in horrific conditions; zoo animals often live in enclosures that are completely unsuitable and can experience a condition called zoochosis, which means they are driven mad from being held captive.

Justin is determined to do something about it, especially when he hears about Ursula and Brutus, two black bears being held in a tiny cage, and being fed the wrong food, in a California zoo. He faces serious challenges along the way, both in his personal life (he’s bullied at school and coming to terms with his sexuality as a gay teen), and financial (trying to get the bears in a place that’s safe and suitable doesn’t come cheap).

If you’re fed up seeing the poor treatment of animals and you want a REAL story from someone who’s made life better for them, this could be the book for you. With a foreward written by Jane Goodall, you know it’s got to be an inspiring story.

This is a book for #animalwelfare #lgbtq #bullying #activism #animalrights

Video review here.