RaQia Lowo

Author / Educator / Motivator

"I write books for reluctant readers
with an urban voice that highlight Black children and culture."

Coming May 20, 2025!

WEEKEND AND ZAY

BOOK 2 - SNOW DAY

Weekend and Zay are excited about a snow day (Weekend more than Zay, who hates missing school), but their plans of friendly snowball fights and building forts might be ruined by threats from a neighborhood bully. Undaunted, the two friends use their intelligence and ingenuity to get the upper hand on their nuisance neighbor. It doesn't hurt that a home security camera has captured the bully's rare defeat. Will the threat of a viral video finally bring peace to the neighborhood?

Written by RaQia Lowo - Illustrated by Christian Paniagua

Reycraft Publication Date May 20, 2025

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Two Black boys having a fun with snowballs

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Early Reader Chapter Book

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

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Two Black boys in front of a school bus. Book Cover

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 enjoy doing school visits! It is my pleasure to share this story of two Black boys who are best friends but have different opinions about school.

Happy reading! ~ RaQia

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, and geared towards reluctant readers or older students who struggle with reading and read 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.

"If you're a believer in teaching the whole child, Weekend and Zay: Saturday School, is an excellent book to have in your classroom library. RaQia Lowo's keen way of developing the storyline and characters makes any discussion on friendship, emotions, family, student's interests, helping others, etc....flawless."

Dr. Sheryl D. Robinson, Retired Educator and Community Stakeholder

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.

Interested in booking a school visit?

Learn More

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