Claudia Daher is the author of the new young adult novel R.A.T.S.: Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One. She lives on the island of Aruba.
Q: What inspired you to write R.A.T.S., and how did you create your character David?
A: R.A.T.S. was born from a deep desire to inspire young people to believe in unity, peace, and the power of doing good. I wanted to create a story that encourages a return to family values and respect for our planet.
David is a very authentic character who does not follow the crowd — he acts from pure kindness, yet he is extremely courageous and wise. He came to understand the true meaning of We Are One — that we are all deeply connected: G-d, humanity, and nature as one creation.
The book itself is a gateway to open meaningful conversations with the younger generation about family values, artificial intelligence, climate change, and mutual respect among peoples and religions.
Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: Yes, I knew the ending from the beginning, because to me it was clear that the end would actually be the beginning of a series.
I wanted to close the story by opening a new path — a symbolic continuation of hope and renewal. However, the writing process was full of discoveries, challenges, and lessons that shaped not only the characters but also my own growth as a writer.
Q: How did you create the novel’s world of 2040?
A: When I began writing in 2012, the year 2040 seemed far away, almost unreachable. Yet time has passed quickly, and many of the ideas I imagined are already part of our reality in 2025. It’s astonishing how technology now advances at the speed of light, reshaping how we live and think.
Still, the novel travels through different time periods to show that our past, present, and future are all intertwined — and that the seeds of tomorrow are planted in the choices we make today.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?
A: Because R.A.T.S. is written for teenagers, I wanted to offer a story free from profanity, promiscuity, drugs, and the negative messages often present in today’s media.
My goal was to remind young readers that it’s still possible to live a life that is clean, purposeful, and filled with love, respect, and kindness. The message of We Are One invites them to rediscover harmony — within themselves, with others, and with nature.
If we embrace that sense of connection, we can create a world guided by understanding, compassion, and light.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m gathering ideas to begin the continuation of the series. The first book is only the foundation — simple and literal compared to what is yet to come. Once I’m further along this new journey, I’ll be happy to share more.
For now, I’m fully dedicated to spreading the message of We Are One around the world, together with the song I created with my son Keith, beautifully performed by the talented local singer from Aruba, Miguel Genser.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: R.A.T.S. is not just a book — it is an inspiration for all of us who dream of a new and better world. In such a short time, humanity has found itself not only in wars between nations but also in a deeper battle between light and darkness, between good and evil — present in every country, every race, and every heart.
The good must rise; we cannot end conflict with more hatred or division. There is still time to help one another, to learn from each other, and to rebuild respect and compassion.
The slogan We Are One represents a movement for peace — because just as a small candle can light up a dark room, my deepest wish is that the conversations inspired by this book and its song will bring unity, love, and light to humankind.
I truly hope that you, Deborah, and your readers will listen to the song and enjoy the book, as everything we gain from it will go to the children of our planet — and toward the long-awaited dream of world peace.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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