About
RaQia Lowo
RaQia is a career educator with over 25 years of experience and loves being in the presence of children. From preschool to public school- from academic instruction to after-school clubs. She has taught students as a paraprofessional during the day and held after-school clubs to prepare for motivational performances. During school breaks, RaQia created cooking and academic summer camps.
Wanting to do more outside of the school setting, RaQia founded Motivational Educators, a creative academic mentoring company for struggling students. RaQia writes chapter books and middle-grade novels for reluctant readers with an urban voice-- that highlight Black children and culture.
She is an active member of Black Creators HQ and SCBWI.
RaQia was born in Harlem, NY, and has two adult sons whom she affectionately calls her Boyz2Men. She is known for her child-like sense of humor, love of music, dance, culture, creativity, and her delicious cakes and dishes. RaQia currently resides in Peachtree Corners, GA.
Fun fact! RaQia has an alter ego named Lady Lo who raps to motivate children to succeed.
WEEKEND AND ZAY: SATURDAY SCHOOL is her debut book.
A Picture Says a Thousand Words!
Obligatory Childhood Pic
This little girl wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher. Probably due to her sister (a now retired teacher of 40 years) making her play school... every day… after school.
She also was on a mission to grow her hair as long as Chers. lol
RaQia ended up becoming a Kindergarten Paraprofessional and her loving students called her teacher! She gave up on growing knee length hair in her twenties but created the look with extensions. Where's that pic?
My Happy Place. Forever 5!
Favorite Place with my Favorite People
Me and My Boyz2Men!
Things I Love-- Besides My Kids and the Beach
Baking and the Color Purple
Rapping for Kids
Rapping WITH Kids!
Dancing With Kids and...
Making BIG BUBBLES!
School Visits
What Makes My Author Visits Different?
I didn’t grow up reading as a child but instead spent countless hours making up stories and scenarios with my best friend which we called “supposing.” This silliness combined with my child-like spirit has been preserved and used to create my children’s books.
As a reluctant reader myself, I can relate to children who do not have books readily available at home or adults who read with them.
Being the odd man out in an industry that prides itself on being avid readers, I have a heart for students who struggle with reading or are reluctant to do so.
I candidly share my reluctance to read with students during school visits and make sure they understand... “I don’t like to read, but I can… and I do. Help me, help you!"<3
RaQia is available for school visits, library programs, book signings, and more!
Contact her to bring this positive kid-focused energy to your school or organization.
Visit our School Visits page for details.