{"product_id":"a-taxi-for-everyone-how-roy-velasquez-fought-for-equality-a-nonfiction-history-picture-book-for-kids-hardcover","title":"A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality (a Nonfiction History Picture Book for Kids) - Hardcover","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/reportcopyrightinfringement.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReport copyright infringement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eDebbie Zapata\u003c\/b\u003e (Author), \u003cb\u003eLaura Sandoval Herrera\u003c\/b\u003e (Illustrator)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eRoy Velásquez was the son of Mexican immigrants, living in Austin, Texas, at the height of segregation. Roy knew\u003cbr\u003ethe 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. . . . \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBefore 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.\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDebbie Zapata \u003c\/b\u003eLCSW, 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 \u003ci\u003eAbuela's Letter\u003c\/i\u003e, an NCTE Charlotte Huck Award(R) title for Outstanding Fiction for Children, and \u003ci\u003eUp and Adam\u003c\/i\u003e, recognized by the Texas Institute of Letters. Her most recent picture book, \u003ci\u003eIsabel's Birthday Surprise\u003c\/i\u003e, celebrates family and community. When she's not writing, she enjoys exploring local trails, practicing yoga, \u003cbr\u003eand listening to live music. Find out more about Debbie at debbiezapata.com. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eLaura Sandoval Herrera \u003c\/b\u003eis 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.\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.41 x 11.11 x 8.71 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e July 21, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45881010192428,"sku":"9781499817003","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0618\/6260\/8940\/files\/ekzfAtuM5Y9781499817003.webp?v=1785367511","url":"https:\/\/littleredgeneralstore.com\/products\/a-taxi-for-everyone-how-roy-velasquez-fought-for-equality-a-nonfiction-history-picture-book-for-kids-hardcover","provider":"Little Red General Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}