“New house rule. No quoting PETA at the dinner table” is perhaps my favorite line from Justin Barker’s autobiographical coming-of-age story about his fight to save two bears from a dismal existence at a zoo in Roseville, California.

Bear Boy listed as June’s Most Anticipated LGBTQ Literature

What makes Bear Boy perhaps most notable is the unapologetic nature of Barker’s perspective. So often vegan writers, understandably, feel the need to evidence their beliefs with facts about climate change, animal cognition, and the economic value of pursuing animal rights. Though there is absolutely value in adding these perspectives, Barker instead focuses on one issue: right versus wrong.

Sentient Media’s Lead Reporter and Editor Matthew Zampa sat down with activist and author Justin Barker to talk about his new book, Bear Boy, a one-of-a-kind coming-of-age story about how two bears inspired a teenage boy to turn his passion for rescuing zoo animals into a lifetime of advocacy.