In her debut book, “R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One,” Claudia Daher shares a genuine desire to “lift the spirit instead of bringing it down.”
The book follows a diverse group of teenagers who discover they are Earth’s last line of defense against an alien race determined to steal Earth’s water. Secretly training in a high stakes alternate reality game called R.A.T.S, David and his allies work to hone their skills to fight real-world ecological and extraterrestrial threats.
In this Five by Five, Claudia shares the book’s origin, introduces us to the diverse cast, and shares her message for readers.
I really like the story. Where did the idea come from and how did you develop it?
The idea came to me in 2012, when my children were still teenagers. I felt a deep concern for the new generation — so many young people were losing touch with family values, social awareness and even with the beauty of our planet. Technology was advancing quickly, but human connection seemed to be fading.
I would turn on the TV and see nothing but violence, low language, families fighting, promiscuity, and stories about drugs and crime. And I thought, “What kind of world are our children growing up in?” That question stayed in my heart. I wanted to write something completely different — a story with no negativity, no bad language, no darkness — something that could lift the spirit instead of bringing it down.
So, little by little, I began. It all started with a simple desire: to imagine a better world for all our children — a world where love, respect, and unity could still shine. From that dream, R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One was born.
Who are the group of teens?
The R.A.T.S are a group of extraordinary teens between the ages of 15 and 18, coming from very different parts of the world — Aruba, the United States, India, Dubai, Israel and beyond. Each of them has a unique background, nationality and faith—yet when humanity becomes threatened and the world begins to fall into an apocalyptic state, they are mysteriously brought together through what they believe is just a virtual game.
But this “game” is much more — it is actually a secret training program designed to prepare them to pilot real spacecrafts and defend the planet. They are led by David, a young man with a noble and pure heart. He doesn’t follow trends or social pressure; he is authentic, charismatic, and just — a true leader of light.
Each teen has a mother, a father, a grandmother, a grandfather, an aunt, an uncle, or a tutor — because, in the end, no matter our religion, nationality or social class, families are always part of the story. Our children and teenagers are the light of the world. Without them, life would simply have no color, no joy and no purpose.
When the teens finally realize that the game was real, they choose to rise together. Despite their differences in culture, religion, and social status, they unite with courage and purpose to protect Earth and restore hope to humanity. They discover that helping one another doesn’t diminish our own light — like a candle lighting another, we don’t lose our flame by sharing it; on the contrary, the light grows stronger, and together, we make the world brighter.
What kind of worldbuilding did you have to do?
I created a world that reflects the one we live in — a planet in crisis, where values, compassion and family ties are fading. The young generation is growing up witnessing wars, sadness, and hunger, while the sense of unity and purpose seems to be slipping away.
In this story, the teens are our future. Through them, I wanted to show that there is still hope — that even in the darkest times, love, forgiveness, and faith can rebuild what has been lost. The book became a way to bring these essential topics back into the conversation: family, mutual respect, and emotional connection.
After all, we live in two worlds — our inner world and our social world. If we are not strong, peaceful, and loved within, it becomes difficult to make the right choices outside. The story reflects this balance — that healing the world begins with healing ourselves.
As a debut writer, what led you to write a book in the first place?
Writing this book was not just an artistic project — it was a calling of the soul. For many years, I have been involved in community work, supporting families, immigrants and humanitarian causes. I have seen how much the world needs messages of kindness, understanding and purpose.
I wanted to create a story free from negativity — no drugs, no violence, no vulgarity — something that schools, parents, and young readers could embrace with pride. R.A.T.S was my way of offering light, of reminding people that goodness and faith are not outdated — they are essential. It was time to give this generation a story that shows that love and unity are still the most powerful forces on Earth.
Is there a message for the readers?
Yes. The message is simple but powerful: We are one. We belong to the same world, and we are responsible for one another. Even a small act of goodness can change everything. Faith, love, and respect can rebuild the future — and it all begins within each of us.
I truly believe that together we can still change our destiny for the better and create a brighter world. We are all tired of bad news — it is time for good news, for peace and for health. This book is an invitation to believe again — to believe in goodness, in light, and in the beauty of a world where we care for each other.
Because if God is One, then We Are One.
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