A Taxi for Everyone by Debbie Zapata - ISBN: 9781499817003
Hardcover
Taxi driver fought segregation, built community, one ride at a time.
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A Taxi for Everyone

How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality (A Nonfiction History Picture Book for Kids)

$27.37

  • Hardcover

    40 pages

  • Release Date

    15 September 2026

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Summary

This compelling biography tells the story of Roy Velásquez and how he built a community fighting against segregation and discrimination in Austin, Texas, by starting a thriving taxi company for those not being served by the city’s institutions.

Roy Velásquez was the son of Mexican immigrants, living in Austin, Texas, at the height of segregation. Roy knew the hardships faced by people of color because of the insurmountable policies put into place. What was anyone to d…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781499817003
ISBN-10:1499817002
Author:Debbie Zapata, Laura Sandoval Herrera
Publisher:Little Bee Books Inc.
Imprint:Little Bee Books Inc.
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:40
Release Date:15 September 2026
Weight:408g
Dimensions:13mm x 216mm x 279mm
Audience Age:4-8
A-Format
B-Format
C-Format
A Taxi for Everyone by Debbie Zapata - ISBN: 9781499817003
216 × 279 mm
A4
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

An excellent example of citizen activism and immigrant contributions rolled into one. * School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW *
A rousing account of an admirable figure certain to inspire grassroots activists. * Kirkus Reviews *

About The Author

Debbie Zapata

Debbie Zapata LCSW, enjoys helping others as a counselor and writing children’s books filled with heart. She loves telling stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. A proud Austin native, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Social Work from New York University. Growing up in Northeast Austin, she remembers Roy’s Taxi as part of the city’s story. Debbie is the author of Abuela’s Letter, an NCTE Charlotte Huck Award® title for Outstanding Fiction for Children, and Up and Adam, recognized by the Texas Institute of Letters. Her most recent picture book, Isabel’s Birthday Surprise, celebrates family and community. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring local trails, practicing yoga, and listening to live music.

Laura Sandoval Herrera is a Mexican illustrator living in Brooklyn, New York. Her grandfather was a bus driver during the same years that Roy worked to create change in Texas, which is why she is especially proud to illustrate this book. Laura holds an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts.

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