RaQia Lowo
Author / Educator / Motivator
"I write books for reluctant readers
with an urban voice that highlight Black children and culture."
New Release
Weekend and Zay
Book 1 - Saturday School
Best friends Weekend and Zay seem like opposites. While Zay loves going to school, Weekend would rather stay home and play video games. So, when Zay drops Weekend’s name and gets him signed up for a Lego Math & Writing Camp, Weekend is furious! Next thing he knows, he's going to school on a Saturday, helping kids build with Legos and avoiding Zay at all costs. But as the day goes on, Weekend learns that camp isn't so bad after all, especially when you're with your best friend.
Written by RaQia Lowo - Illustrated by Christian Paniagua
Reycraft Publication Date September 12, 2023
Purchase Your Copy
Weekend and Zay is a fun story about friendship, differences of opinion, and conflict/resolution. The book is written for grade levels 1 – 4, ages 7 – 12 years old, and geared towards reluctant readers or older students reading below grade-level.
This slice-of-life story highlights two Black boys and shares their joy and pain, making the characters relatable and a heartfelt read for all.
This chapter book makes an engaging supplemental resource in the classroom while teaching SEL standards.
About RaQia Lowo
Hi, I’m RaQia Lowo, and I speak kid.
Not as an official language, but more of a way of communicating with and relating to children. Having an inner child who likes to come out and assist helps.
I’ve poured a great deal of my child-like spirit onto pages of my debut book, Weekend and Zay – Saturday School. I can’t wait to get this book in the hands of kids and share the story of two Black boys who are best friends but have different opinions about school.
Happy reading! ~ RaQia
Weekend and Zay is a fun book about friendship, differences of opinion, and conflict/resolution. It could be used as a supplemental resource while teaching the SEL standards.
Book Concerts
This lively author’s visit opens with an upbeat education-based rap to motivate students and encourage them to participate in chapter reading, discussion, and a Team Weekend Vs.
Team Zay Recall Game
Q&A session included.
Learn About School Visits
Classroom Visits
The session begins with a call & response book summary to stimulate conversation and engage the students. Includes chapter reading, and a Team Weekend Vs.
Team Zay Recall Game or
writing prompts. Q&A session included.
Virtual Visits
The session begins with a call & response book summary to stimulate conversation and engage the students. It includes chapter reading, and a Team Weekend Vs.
Team Zay Recall Game or
writing prompts. Q&A session included.
In The Press
Publishers Weekly January 9, 2023
SLJ Extra Helping
Teacher Appreciation Week
YAY! I'm in the SLJ Extra Helping May 7, 2024 Teacher Apprecation Week - Educators Who Made an Impact Edition!
I share my memory of meeting an inspirational educator as an adult!
My first Blog!
Check out my feature blog - Debut You 2023 on Black Children’s Books and Authors site!
I talk a little about me, my journey to publishing Weekend and Zay: Saturday School, and most importantly… why I write for reluctant readers!
