Fighter in Velvet Gloves: Alaska Civil Rights Hero Elizabeth Peratrovich

by Annie Boochever, Roy A. Peratrovich Jr.

“No Natives or Dogs Allowed,” blared the storefront sign at Elizabeth Peratrovich, then a young Alaska Native Tlingit. The sting of those words would stay with her all her life. Years later, after becoming a seasoned fighter for equality, she would deliver her own powerful one that helped change Alaska and the nation forever.
In 1945, Peratrovich stood before the Alaska Territorial Legislative Session and gave a powerful speech about her childhood and her experiences being treated as a second-class citizen. Her heartfelt testimony led to the passing of the landmark Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act, America’s first civil rights legislation. Today, Alaska celebrates Elizabeth Peratrovich Day every February 16, and she will be honored on the gold one-dollar coin in 2020.
Annie Boochever worked with Elizabeth’s eldest son, Roy Peratrovich Jr., to bring Elizabeth’s story to life in the first book written for young teens on this remarkable Alaska Native woman.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Indigenous, Social Justice, Middle Grade, Teen

120 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2019

Reviews

[Cheryl]

Highly recommended by Debbie Reese.

[Sorcha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for "young teens," so quick and easy that everyone should read it. Plenty to learn even for those familiar with Elizabeth Peratrovich's story. Not only does this cover her important leadership in improving Native representation in Alaska, but her personal story, as well. So often we forget that the leaders in our history are people, too.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful nonfiction account of the early days of the civil rights movement. The life of Elizabeth Peratrovich should be mandatory reading in history curriculums. It is a short text that explains the significance of Peratrovich's act.

[AsimovsZeroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved finding out a bit more about Elizabeth Peratrovich, but I find it criminal that the only in-print book I could find about her specifically is a children's biography.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is categorized as YA but, in my opinion, comes across as middle-grade. Peratrovich was a remarkable person who led one of the earliest fights for equal rights in our country. This does a lovely job of describing the circumstances and historical facts surrounding her address to the territorial government regarding humanity.

[Heather Routh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize until I picked it up from the library that this was targeted at middle school level, so the writing style is pretty simple. But it definitely made me tear up a few times and made me proud to live in Alaska. So inspiring.

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy that I could grow up in the place where Elizabeth Peratrovich was educated and still know so little.

Like that Sheldon Jackson, where I went to fine arts camp in Sitka, used to be a boarding school for native children.

Or that Ketchikan High School only became desegregated because a suit alleging the native school was inferior, and Elizabeth Peratrovich was able to attend only because of that ruling.

Or that she flew around across the state on her advocacy campaign with the help of the man whose planes would become the basis of today’s Alaska Airlines.

This book was so wonderfully enlightening and written to be accessible for a young audience. Highly recommend.

[Cori Edgerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad to say that I had no idea who Elizabeth Peratrovich was or the impact she had on civil rights for Alaska Natives. This story needs to be told, Native American history should be taught in schools, and we must stay vigilant that these rights gained are not erased.

[Mini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short read that will inspire anyone to look deeper into the story of Elizabeth & her family. I would have loved to read 60 more pages about her!

[Caitlin Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important and interesting subject matter, really clunky writing. Feels like a list of facts more than a narrative.

[Eileen Breseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although my husband has been getting this Alaskan February holiday off for years from his company,
I never really knew who this woman was. Written as a YA level book, it is a easy and engrossing read, complete with many photos and details of her resilient, purposeful life bringing civil rights to Alaskan Natives. As a frequent traveler with family ties to S.E., (husband is of the Tlingit and grew up in Juneau) many of the places, and some people who are in the acknowledgement pages are known to me. I found her story very inspirational.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written for YA but anyone could benefit from reading it. It tells the interesting story of the fight for equal rights in Alaska that, I believe, was important for the Lower 48 as well. I wish every school had a copy of this book for students to read.

[Kortney Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography: Chapter Book Alaskan History, Civil Rights, Elizabeth Peratrovich

Boochever, Annie & Peratrovich, Roy. Fighter in Velvet Gloves. AK: University of Alaska Press, 2019. 80 pp. Young Adult.

This is an inspiring story about Elizabeth Peratrovich, a Tlingit Native Alaskan woman who fought civil rights in Alaska, and equality for her and her fellow Native Alaskans. The story begins with her adoption, and follows Elizabeth on her path to getting the “Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act” passed. An accurate account of a powerful woman’s life that’s easy-to-read, and should be part of every Alaskan school’s middle/high-school social studies curriculum. The details provided by Roy Peravich Jr. (Elizabeth’s son) are beautifully organized and do beautiful justice to honoring not only his mother, but also other Alaskan Native individuals, and the reader as well.

AK: Elizabeth Peratrovich, Tlingit, Southeast Alaska, Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act, Alaska Territorial Legislative Session, Alaskan Politics, Alaskan History

Activity: Pair this book with a lesson on equality. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between Elizabeth Peratrovich and Martin Luther King.

[Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Peratrovich, a native Alaskan Tlinget woman, was a powerful force to be reckoned with. Back in 1945, many years before the U.S. government enacted the US Civil Rights Act of 1964, Elizabeth was determined to put an end to discrimination against Native Alaskan Indians. Never resorting to anger or bitter tactics, Elizabeth managed to rock boats and make waves, effectively influencing positive change. Determined to create a better future for her children, she traveled around Alaska in an effort to empower and educate natives. Then at 34 years of age, she delivered a powerful speech before the Alaskan Territory Legislature, effectively tipping the scales in a vote that would ultimately lead to the passage of Alaska's landmark Anti-Discrimination Act. Demonstrating grace and grit, coupled with determination and tenacity, this Alaskan trailblazer's story is one that will inspire and educate young readers. Recommended for home and school libraries, Fighter in Velvet Gloves has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

[Sonia Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Elizabeth Peratrovich, a civil rights leader that fought for the rights of the Alaskan natives. She dedicated her life to advocate of the Alaskan natives. One of the milestones in her career was working on the anti-discrimination laws. As an individual who has studied the civil rights movement and has been a part of an organization named after a civil rights leader, I am honored to say that I have learned so much about her legacy. I came across Googles page and saw a doodle of her and that's when i started to learn about her. Then I checked my local library to see if they had any books on her. Although intended for teens and young adults, as an adult, I really like the outline and straightforward information in the book. I learned a lot from this reading. Definitely recommend!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago a student came to me looking for a book on Elizabeth Peratrovich to use for a report. I was sure we must have one. Imagine my surprise when the only book I could find about her was an old, obscure small publication intended for grown-ups and almost impossible to come by. Someone, I said, needs to write a book about Elizabeth Peratrovich for kids! Finally, someone did. It was so interesting and well-written, with lots of supporting photos. Now I have something I'd be proud to hand to a student. What I'd like to see next - a picture book!

By the way, if you don't know who Elizabeth Peratrovich is, which is entirely possible if you aren't from Alaska, look her up. She was a tough and determined lady well ahead of her time in the quest for civil rights.

[Diana Sandberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. The biography of Elizabeth Peratrovich, an Alaska Native woman who was a leader in a remarkable movement for racial equality in Alaska, leading to the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 - the first such law in the US, and well before the federal Civil Rights Act.

This book was written for middle school and high school aged persons, and it is perhaps a bit simplified, but does not leave out the bones of why anti-racist legislation was needed. And Ms. Peratrovich's intelligence, strength of character, and grace shine through brilliantly.

This is the sort of book there should be more of, especially in schools.

[Bre Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaskan History, Inuit, Civil Rights, Chapter Book
Boochever, Annie and Peratrovich, Roy. Fighter in Velvet Gloves. AK: University of Alaska Press, 2019. 80 pp. Ages 12-14.
Another great story about Alaska’s very own Elizabeth Peratrovich. This remarkable story follows the journey of Elizabeth from her being adopted to her fighting for equal rights. I really enjoyed this story because I got to take a closer look and see how the Anti-Discrimination Act was passed and all the work Elizabeth did to fight for equal rights.
Alaska Connection: Tlingit, Alaskan History, Inuit Tribes, Alaskan Cities
Related Activity: in your groups discuss why fighting for equal rights is important.

[Jenny Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Growing up in Juneau I've often heard of Elizabeth Peratrovich. She is famous, of course, being a woman, Alaska Native and advocate of civil rights during a time when all those labels didn't work in her favor. Her picture with the governor is also well known. Beyond that, I can't say I knew much more prior to reading this book.

This account of her life told me who she was on a very personal level. Reading about her this way, my respect for her grew, not just for what she accomplished but for her as an individual. A true heroine indeed.

[David Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Peratrovich, and other Tlingit tribal members, fought discrimination against indigenous peoples in Alaska and managed to push through an anti-discrimination bill in 1945, decades before the more well known Civil Rights legislation. The retelling here is aimed at teenagers but comes across like something intended for even younger readers.

Nevertheless, it’s an important story that should be more widely known, not only for being yet another example of systemic racism, but also as one more example of how it can be overcome.

[Ladymoiraina2021 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I definitely learned something today! For a complete newbie to the info and for the fact that I am Alaskan Native, I was very impressed with how respectful it was and how the author represented our language and practices without being dismissive. It made me want to read more about her and made me more eager to learn my native language so I could pronounce the names. It’s a good read for kids for nonfiction and an excellent addition for any library or school or for homes as well.

[Jeanine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A middle reader about Elizabeth Peratrovich who was a fighter against discrimination in Alaska, particularly against Native Americans. This book represented Alaska at the Battle of the Books and the National Book Festival.
Book includes family photographs and artwork by Roy Peratrovich Jr.
Elizabeth was fighting for Civil Rights in Alaska decades before the Civil Rights movement in the American South.

[Shaun M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aimed at younger readers (older elementary and middle grade would probably be the ideal age range) this is a really wonderful introduction to the life and legacy of Elizabeth Peratrovich. For an adult, it's a rather quick read (probably about 30 minutes), but it's still full of great insights into her life, education, and work. The photographs and personal memories shared by her son add even more to the story.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite quote from Elizabeth Peratrovich: “Do your laws against larceny and murder prevent those crimes? No law will eliminate crimes, but at least you as legislators can assert to the world that you recognize the evil of the present situation and speak your intent to help us overcome discrimination.”

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. I knew nothing about Elizabeth Peratrovich prior to reading this and learning about her anti-discrimination work was interesting and inspirational. Although geared towards children (and my 8 and 10 year olds liked this too), I enjoyed the read as much as they did.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about Elizabeth Peratrovich and her incredible work for civil rights for Alaska Native people. This is a children's biography about her, but I would recommend it to people of all ages. She was an amazing woman.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a history that needs to be told, and is written to be understood by middle school on up. None of these people or histories were in any of my American history classes, and it’s nice to have this information in a concise place.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked it down only for its simplicity. I imagine the struggle was more vivid than portrayed.

[Reb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book as far as it went. I would have liked a little more story of what happened with her family after she died.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thing to read on the plane to Juneau!!