Bermuda’s Youngest Author Pens New Book
Bermuda’s youngest author has finished her second book. And now the eight-year-old Victor Scott student and her family would like the community’s help to get her latest effort published.
Last year Malaikah Abdul-Jabbar published “Stop The Shooting: The Way Bermuda Feels. Expressed Through the Emotions of a 7-Year-Old” — what may be Bermuda’s fastest selling book ever.
She wrote and illustrated the book after a classmate’s father was gunned down and killed.
“Malaikah was greatly affected and disturbed by this, and in order to make sense of such a senseless and horrific act of violence, she attempted to give voice to her thoughts and emotions,” her mother has said. “The result was the heartfelt book, “Stop the Shooting: The Way Bermuda Feels. Expressed Through the Emotions of a 7-Year-Old.’
“It took a concise and common sense look at the issue, explaining that people should not use guns, where to ask for help to combat this violence, and how children should be aware of the danger of guns. This book was part of the healing process for Bermudian youth, as it was something that they could directly relate to, the words and emotions coming not from an adult but from someone their own age. ‘Stop the Shooting’ may have been the work of a child, but it spoke for an entire community—a community that is loving and wants to see peace spread everywhere.”
Launched at a City Hall ceremony attended by then Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox the book proved to be an instant sensation — selling out its entire print run in under a week.
As a result of her book’s success in April, 2010 Malaikah became the youngest presenter in the 55-year history of the International Reading Association [IRA] conference in Chicago, which had an estimated attendance of 60,000.
“It’s been almost a year and she has now completed her second book and it is ready for printing,” said Malaikah’s mother, Azuhaa Coleman. “It is called ‘A Different Kind of Bermuda’ and it explores Bermuda through the eyes of an eight-year-old. How does an eight-year-old view Bermuda and her people? The answer is all in this book.
“”This is where you get involved. We need sponsors! Please help and become a proud sponsor of making Bermuda’s history. We are trying to raise at least $6,000 to help with the printing and publishing of this incredible book. Any amount will be greatly appreciated!”
Ms Colman can be contacted by email at laikahmom@gmail.com or at 339-2197.
Impressive! There is hope for our island after all.
Congratulations Malaikah Abdul-Jabbar. All the best with your love of writing.
Thanks also Bernews for showing our Bermuda youth in a positive light.
There is always hope!
I would like to say a big CONGRATS to Malaikah,on your first book now going on to your second WOW… Your are a bright little girl who is a shinning star for others, and I’m sure your parents are just as proud of you. Again GREAT JOB MALAIKAH!
What are you kidding, she wants sponsorship for printing a book when she sold out her first one what happened to the profits?
Wow Amazed, that comment of yours sounds so mean.
1: Printing is very expensive. I know I own a small printing business.
2: They could have done a small print run of only 30 – 50 books and sold them all
3: Why are you so sure they made a big profit from the first book?
Talk to someone like Mr. Dale Butler who will tell you the real inside story about the expense of printing books and hoping they will sell.
I am the mother and I can tell you what happened to the profits. Half of the books were donated so nothing was made there. The profits from the other half were put into starting a charity called ‘Children against violence’ which you will be hearing about soon enough
Thanks for that Mrs. Coleman…Hope that you didn’t take it personally as there is always one comment that takes away the joy….Bless Malaikah’s little heart and may she continue to shine!!! Will give you a call about making a donation…..
So happy to see that bermuda has a very young Author on the Island, Congratulations Malaikah and keep up the good work. I appreciate your writing it talks about exactly what we as Bermudians are going through in these times. Bless
Good going little one, the limit is beyond the skies. Keep up the great work you are doing.
AWESOME!!!!!!
Very bright & incentful little girl!! She is definitely headed for greatness!!