Praise from Readers and Critics
Discover heartfelt testimonials from readers who have been inspired and captivated by the author’s literary works.
Sky Changes on the Kuskokwim
“In the course of a lifetime, so much has changed in rural Alaska. From family loss to memories gained, Kim-boy struggles to find his way and make sense of both time and place. His life was a sand bar as the tide rises. Smooth at first, seemingly endless, only to narrow and disappear with the incoming tide of an everchanging world.”
—Samuel Crow, born and raised in Bethel, Alaska, retired educator, current director with AVCP (Assoc. of Village Council Presidents)
—David James, Alaska Newspapers Review
—Brenda Jaeger Review
—Joan Dewey Review
—Sandra Wassilie Review
—Edith Morgan Review
—Janet Review
—Michelle Review
Like Painted Kites & Collected Works
“Like Painted Kites & Collected Works by Clifton Bates draws on material from Asia, Alaska and elsewhere. Bates offers a journey into tensions and acceptance across cultures. The collection is set off by marvelous artwork that indeed paints the kite canvas that oversees the anthology. It’s reading to be enjoyed sitting in your favorite chair or under a tree outside or perhaps in a foreign cafe or bar. Take it slow. It’s not a dogsled race. It’s like a slice of pie. Take one bite at a time.”
—Jerry McDonnell, writer, actor, educator
—Monica Devine Review
—Yvonne Garret Interview: Author interview regarding Like Painted Kites and Cirque Press
—Dan Branch, 49 Writers, Alaskan Writers Series Review
The Authors – Clifton Bates & Father Michael J. Oleksa
Conflicting Landscapes American Schooling/Alaska Natives
“Bates and Oleksa convincingly present the reality of cultural diversity and the challenges facing educators in Alaska and elsewhere. They discuss what has worked in interethnic communication and place-based education, but go beyond this to examine the underlying problem of lack of institutional memory and continuity in schooling, with the result that we see the same mistakes and failures tragically and unnecessarily repeated year after year, generation after generation.”
―Richard Dauenhauer ― President’s Professor of Alaska Native Language and Culture, University of Alaska Southeast. Former poet laureate of Alaska
“This very personal and well written book is a work of passion and love for Alaska and our Native Peoples. It is a book that I often wished someone would write. It reflects words I always wanted educators coming to Alaska to hear. Hopefully the next book will be for healthcare providers.
―Dr. Ted Mala ― Director of Traditional Healing, Alaska Native Medical Center. Dr. Mala is the first male Alaska Native physician.
―Tribal College Journal “Making the Desk Fit the Child” Essay
―Babette Herrmann Indian Country News Review
―Eliza Review