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A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality (a Nonfiction History Picture Book for Kids)
This compelling biography tells the story of Roy Velásquez and how he built a community fighting against...
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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 do? Even just simple acts can go a long way. But Roy went further than that. . . . In segregated Austin, people of color weren't allowed in taxis, and the streetcar ended far from their homes. So Roy borrowed five dollars from a friend, purchased a taxi permit and a tank of gas, and drove people of color wherever they needed to go. Before long, one lone taxi became a fleet. For over seventy-five years, Roy's Taxi Service helped to fight segregation and poll taxes, and grow Austin into a community for everyone. Roy's story is a reminder that we can all affect change and that inclusion is our strength.
Author: Debbie Zapata
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Published: 07/21/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 11.11h x 8.71w x 0.41d
ISBN: 9781499817003
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2026
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 107
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2026 pg. 106
Booklist 07/01/2026
About the Author
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(R) 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. Find out more about Debbie at debbiezapata.com. 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. See more of Laura's work at laurasanherr.com.
the hardships faced by people of color because of the insurmountable policies put into place. What was anyone to do? Even just simple acts can go a long way. But Roy went further than that. . . . In segregated Austin, people of color weren't allowed in taxis, and the streetcar ended far from their homes. So Roy borrowed five dollars from a friend, purchased a taxi permit and a tank of gas, and drove people of color wherever they needed to go. Before long, one lone taxi became a fleet. For over seventy-five years, Roy's Taxi Service helped to fight segregation and poll taxes, and grow Austin into a community for everyone. Roy's story is a reminder that we can all affect change and that inclusion is our strength.
Author: Debbie Zapata
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Published: 07/21/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 11.11h x 8.71w x 0.41d
ISBN: 9781499817003
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2026
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 107
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2026 pg. 106
Booklist 07/01/2026
About the Author
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(R) 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. Find out more about Debbie at debbiezapata.com. 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. See more of Laura's work at laurasanherr.com.
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