A Taxi for Everyone

Name: A Taxi for Everyone
Brand: Unknown
SKU: 9781499817003
Price: 46.99 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

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

By Debbie Zapata

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Brief Description

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,... Read More

Format: Hardback

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Description

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 colour 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 colour 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 colour 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.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781499817003

Publisher: Little Bee Books Inc.

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 21 July 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Little Bee Books Inc.

Contributors:

Illustrated by Laura Sandoval Herrera

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 279.0mm

Weight: 408g

Pages: 40

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Debbie Zapata

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® 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.