On Sunday, August 23, I had the pleasure of participating in the Powerful Picture Book Biographies panel at the historic Books of Wonder in New York City.
The discussion brought together children’s literature creators to explore the art of bringing… Read the rest
I’m proud to share that Isabel’s Birthday Surprise has been named a Writers’ League of Texas Discovery Prize for Picture Books. This heartfelt story, published by Magination Press and illustrated by Gabriella Galvez, is about hoping for your wishes to… Read the rest
I recently joined the team at Texas Standard to discuss my latest book, A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality. This picture book biography celebrates Roy Velásquez’s remarkable legacy of fighting for civil rights and expanding access… Read the rest
The launch celebration for A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality! was a heartfelt tribute to Roy Velásquez and the enduring legacy of his courage, leadership, and commitment to his community. It was a joy to celebrate… Read the rest
Big News: We’ve Gone Gold!
I’m so honored to share that A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality—and its Spanish edition, Un taxi para todos—have both been selected as Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections!
This picture… Read the rest
I’m proud to share that Abuela’s Letter has been named a 2025 Best Book by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature. This heartfelt story, published by Magination Press and illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz, explores themes of loss… Read the rest
“Isabel delights in the heartfelt, homespun party and realizes her birthday wish has come true in an unexpected way. Zapata honors the disappointment children feel when their hopes don’t align with reality while also modeling resilience and the joy that… Read the rest
“A helpful tool for talking about the emotions that surround special events. Isabel’s inner world is vividly illustrated, with brightly colored art swirling around her in a style reminiscent of papel picado, visually expressing her hopes and worries. A robust… Read the rest
“An excellent example of citizen activism and immigrant contributions rolled into one.” — School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Full review here!
Big News: We’ve Gone Gold! 
This picture… Read the rest
Full review here!
I’m proud to share that Abuela’s Letter has been named a 2025 Best Book by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature. This heartfelt story, published by Magination Press and illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz, explores themes of loss… Read the rest
“Isabel delights in the heartfelt, homespun party and realizes her birthday wish has come true in an unexpected way. Zapata honors the disappointment children feel when their hopes don’t align with reality while also modeling resilience and the joy that… Read the rest
“A helpful tool for talking about the emotions that surround special events. Isabel’s inner world is vividly illustrated, with brightly colored art swirling around her in a style reminiscent of papel picado, visually expressing her hopes and worries. A robust… Read the rest