An eight-year-old author, preparing to release her second book, is launching an Island-wide appeal to get it published.Malaikah Abdul-Jabbar wrote and illustrated a short story called ‘A different kind of Bermuda’, encouraging people to see the beauty, rather than the flaws of the Island.The Victor Scott Primary student said the book will help inspire others and needs $6,000 to cover the publishing costs and launch.“I wrote the book because I want people to see the real Bermuda. It is beautiful and people rush so much that they don’t get a chance to see it,” Malaikah said. “In my book I wrote that the sun is like a teacher to me because it just doesn’t give off light but it teaches me about plants, living animals and other things.“I also wrote how the beach is like a hospital to me because of how good it makes me feel when I go in the water it also heals cuts.”The author, who writes about all her ideas, thoughts and day-to-day experiences, said once people discovered the true beauty of the Island “all the violence [would stop] because people love Bermuda too much”.‘A different kind of Bermuda’ is Malaikah’s second story in less than 12 months. Her first entitled ‘Stop the Shooting’ was written to commemorate those lost to gun violence on the Island.Mother Azuhuaa Coleman has already created a Youtube video on the latest book and has sent out mass emails to garner support.She said: “I think the book is important because it’s a way of showing Bermuda that children have a voice and need to be heard. “And we can learn something from this book, which is we should take a break, sit back and relax and just enjoy Bermuda for what it really is.”People are looking at the bad things, like crime and violence, and forgetting to see “Bermuda for its true beauty”, she said.Malaikah is considered Bermuda’s youngest author, and has been featured on television, radio and newspapers on the Island.She has been invited to meet the Premier and was also sent to Chicago to present at the International Reading Association. Ms Coleman told The Royal Gazette: “I think Malaikah’s talent still hasn’t reached its full potential even at the age of eight. She is kind of like a puzzle to me because she keeps me thinking and gives me insight on things I used to see.“Reading her book just brings it all back and makes me believe that Bermuda is still a place to fight for and not give up on it. This is our home and we need to try really hard to make it a place for our kids and we can only do this if we see it for its value and make it thrive and grow.”Companies who donate will get their logo printed on the book. Donors will also be the first to get a signed copy from Malaikah and a personalized letter of thanks.For more information or to donate call 339-2197 or visit www.stoptheshooting.com.Useful sites: http://www.stoptheshooting.com/home, http://www.youtube.com.