// AWARD-WINNING YOUNG ADULT SCI-FI

R.A.T.S

REVOLUTIONARY ARMY OF TEENS

WE ARE ONE

Year 2040. The future is in teenage hands.

A novel by Claudia Daher · Ages 13+

WinnerNYC Big Book Award2026 · Young Adult Fiction Distinguished FavoriteIndependent Press Award2026 · Science Fiction
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Cover of R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens by Claudia Daher

// THE BOOK

A game. A secret.
A planet to save.

Claudia’s debut novel, R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One, is a young adult science-fiction adventure written for readers aged thirteen and older. Spanning from 9000 B.C. to the year 2040, the story brings together young people from different countries, cultures, religions, and social backgrounds.

Through a narrative involving artificial intelligence, climate change, extraterrestrial life, the preservation of Earth’s water, and the future of humanity, Claudia explores family, forgiveness, faith, courage, personal responsibility, and the consequences of human choices.

More than an adventure, R.A.T.S is an invitation to reflection and action. Its central message, We Are One, expresses Claudia’s belief that people can overcome their differences, unite around a common purpose, and build a more conscious, peaceful, and compassionate future.

Genre
Young Adult Science Fiction
Readers
Ages 13 and older
Formats
Paperback · Kindle eBook
ISBN
978-1-83794-375-3
Story Timeline
9000 B.C. to 2040
“But in a world on the brink, can a group of teens truly unite and save us all?”
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Read the full synopsis (spoilers)

R.A.T.S is an enthralling story set in Aruba, following the life of a young boy named David. In his hometown, the effects of climate change have become increasingly evident, shaping the lives of the people around him.

Amidst this backdrop, David discovers a captivating video game called R.A.T.S (Revolutionary Army of Teens), invented by his grandfather, HB. Unbeknownst to David, the game holds a remarkable secret that not only connects his family to an extraordinary extraterrestrial adventure, but also addresses the pressing issue of climate change.

David’s grandfather, HB, an American archaeologist and computer engineering graduate, was abducted by aliens at Machu Picchu while serving in the American Air Force. After being taken, HB became a high-ranking American official and constructed a secret lunar base connected to a base hidden beneath the Sonora Desert. In his position, HB developed the R.A.T.S game with the intention of training young people worldwide, disguising it as an ordinary video game.

As the climax nears, young individuals from different corners of the globe gather in Las Vegas with a singular mission: to save humanity from the dual threats of extraterrestrial invaders and the imminent consequences of climate change. Together, they utilize their skills developed through the R.A.T.S game to not only fight off the alien forces but also raise awareness and rally the world to address the urgent climate crisis.

The story weaves together the complexities of family dynamics, exploring the relationships between parents, children, and grandparents from various cultures and religions. It emphasizes the power of unity, showcasing the potential for young people worldwide to come together, transcend boundaries and cultural differences, and ultimately save humanity.

The Music Video

We Are One

Inspired by R.A.T.S

Watch on YouTube

// AWARDS & PRAISE

An Award-Winning Debut

Independent Press Award2026

Distinguished Favorite

Science Fiction: Existential & Social Resilience

In April 2026, R.A.T.S was named a Distinguished Favorite in the Independent Press Award’s Science Fiction: Existential & Social Resilience category. Claudia received the silver pin at the official awards ceremony in New Jersey, hosted by Independent Press Award President Gabrielle “Gabby” Olczak, where she was also recognized as a VIP Honoree.

Silver Pin VIP Honoree

NYC Big Book Award2026

Category Winner

Young Adult Fiction

Later that year, R.A.T.S won the 2026 NYC Big Book Award in the Young Adult Fiction category. As the category winner, Claudia will receive the gold pin at the official awards ceremony on April 10, 2027.

Gold Pin Ceremony · April 10, 2027

The Awards Dinner · April 25, 2026

VIP Honoree and award winner
Recognized as a VIP Honoree
With R.A.T.S at the Awards Dinner

What Readers Are Saying

Readers’ Favorite praised the novel’s illustrations, themes of unity and forgiveness, and the wisdom conveyed through its characters, describing R.A.T.S as “a thought-provoking novel that should be included in every school library.” Foreword Clarion Reviews also highlighted its exploration of ecological awareness, global cooperation, first contact, and young people working together for humanity’s future.

“A novel about first contact and global connectivity, R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens is about video-game players from around the world working together in the name of ecological concern.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering belief in equality for all people left a profound impact on me. Her wisdom and advice to young people are invaluable.”
Eva Schloss, Holocaust survivor

In the Spotlight

Throughout 2026, Claudia appeared on the digital billboards of Times Square on three separate days. Two appearances showcased R.A.T.S, while the third celebrated her cover feature in Printed Word Reviews, a publication associated with the Independent Press Award.

Cover Feature

Printed Word Reviews

Volume 5 · June 2026

In June 2026, Claudia appeared on the cover of Printed Word Reviews, Volume 5. The magazine also published an exclusive multi-page interview titled “The Future Is Now: Claudia Daher on Teens, Technology, and the Fight for Humanity.”

// GET YOUR COPY

Available Now

In paperback and as a Kindle eBook.

Amazon Paperback · US Buy Amazon UK Paperback · UK Buy Kindle eBook Buy Barnes & Noble Paperback · US Buy

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

For schools & libraries

ISBN 978-1-83794-375-3 · Available to order through Ingram and Gardners · Bulk orders and school visits

// ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claudia Daher

AuthorEntrepreneurPhilanthropistVisual Artist

01 Personal Background

Claudia Daher is a Brazilian-born author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visual artist who has called Aruba home for the past thirty-six years. A devoted wife, mother of three accomplished children, and grandmother, she has built a life shaped by family, faith, creativity, service, and leadership. Alongside her artistic and philanthropic pursuits, she serves as a director of her family’s businesses.

Portrait of Claudia Daher

Interfaith EngagementThe Vatican Journey

Commemorative Interreligious Gathering

Nostra Aetate: 60 Years Later

Rome · The Vatican

Claudia’s commitment to unity extends beyond her literary work. She was invited by the Instituto Universitario Isaac Abarbanel of Buenos Aires to participate in Nostra Aetate: 60 Years Later, a commemorative interreligious gathering held in Rome and at the Vatican. She attended alongside Rabbi Ariel Stofenmacher, Rabbi Mauricio Balter, and a distinguished international group of rabbis and interfaith leaders.

Rome

An interfaith encounter in Rome
An evening reception during the program

During the program, Claudia participated in the signing of a contemporary declaration at the Vatican Apostolic Library (Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana), reaffirming the principles of Nostra Aetate. Originally promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965, the historic declaration rejected antisemitism and encouraged respect, understanding, and dialogue among religions.

The Declaration

With the delegation at the Vatican
Signing the declaration

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

Claudia also had the honor of personally presenting a signed copy of R.A.T.S to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The book subsequently became part of the Pope’s private collection: a deeply symbolic milestone for a novel dedicated to unity, peace, and humanity’s shared responsibility.

St. Peter’s Square

Presenting R.A.T.S to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
Sharing the story of R.A.T.S
With the gift for His Holiness
With His Holiness and the delegation

Honors in Brazil

São Paulo, BrazilNovember 2026

Comenda Excelência e Qualidade Brasil 2026

Honorary title of Comendadora

Claudia has been selected to receive the Comenda Excelência e Qualidade Brasil 2026 and the honorary title of Comendadora. She will also be recognized in the “Professional of the Year: National Distinction and Social Merit” category for making a meaningful difference in society through literature that promotes values, responsibility, and positive transformation among younger generations.

These prestigious honors will be formally conferred in November 2026 at the renowned Clube Sírio-Libanês in São Paulo, Brazil.

Her Continuing Mission

Through literature, art, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and interfaith engagement, Claudia Daher promotes a vision rooted in faith, ethical responsibility, environmental awareness, and respect among peoples. Her journey reflects the conviction at the heart of R.A.T.S: meaningful change begins within each individual, but humanity’s greatest challenges can be overcome only when we understand that…

We Are One!

// BEHIND THE BOOK

The Art Behind R.A.T.S

Claudia’s original paintings, handwritten notes and the finished manuscript.

We Are OneDavid stands before humanity, a key image from Claudia’s original paintings
The HeroClaudia with her painting of David
The ManuscriptNotes, artwork and the finished pages
A World in ColorEach chapter inspired by a different corner of the world

// JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Stay Connected

News from Claudia about R.A.T.S, events and what comes next. No spam.

Instagram@claudiadaher_author FacebookClaudiaDaher.Author YouTube@ratsweareone

// Ready to join?

Join the Revolutionary Army of Teens

Get Your Copy Watch the Video

// CONTACT & PRESS

Get in Touch

Interviews, events & school visits

ken_dah@yahoo.com

Author appearances, school and library visits, bulk orders and speaking requests.

Publicity

Corrine Pritchett · Books Forward

corrine@booksforward.com

Press kit · short bio

Claudia Daher is a Brazilian-born author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visual artist based in Aruba. Her debut young adult novel, R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One, won the 2026 NYC Big Book Award for Young Adult Fiction and was named a 2026 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite.

Upcoming

  • Nov 2026Comenda Excelência e Qualidade Brasil ceremony, São Paulo
  • Apr 10, 2027NYC Big Book Award ceremony
PRESS ARCHIVE

// 6 ARTICLES · 2025

BOOKS FORWARD · MAY 4, 2025

Press Release: Debut Sci-Fi Author Claudia Daher

Teens secretly using a virtual reality game to fight alien invasions and determine Earth's fate.

▶

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Debut author Claudia Daher's science fiction novel follows a diverse group of teenagers who are secretly training in an alternate reality video game, R.A.T.S, to prepare for water-stealing aliens attempting to infiltrate Earth. Spanning timelines from ancient Atlantis to a near-future world, R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One (Pegasus Publishing, June 5, 2025) explores climate catastrophe activism and the power of unity, love and respect.

In 2040, 15-year-old David discovers that he and his friends are Earth's final defense against extraterrestrial forces determined to steal Earth's water. Through an alternate reality game created by his grandfather HB, David and his allies undergo training and unite across the globe. As they prepare for an apocalyptic battle, they unravel hidden truths about the universe and their own destinies.

"I wrote this book because I believe that, at its core, we are all very similar. We all have families, with their complexities and differences, but at the end of the day, we are all human, seeking love, understanding and belonging. Together we are stronger. We Are One!"
Claudia Daher

REVIEWS

“A novel about first contact and global connectivity, R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens is about video-game players from around the world working together in the name of ecological concern.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews
"Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering belief in equality for all people left a profound impact on me. Her wisdom and advice to young people are invaluable."
Eva Schloss, Holocaust survivor

Q&A WITH CLAUDIA DAHER

Q: Why was it important that your novel featured characters from different religions and backgrounds?

From the very beginning, I wanted R.A.T.S to reflect the world we live in: a world filled with diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences. By bringing together teenagers from different religions and backgrounds, I aimed to show that unity is possible despite our differences. The slogan "We Are One" is at the heart of the story.

Q: How does your book emphasize mankind's deep connection with nature?

The air we breathe, the water we drink and share with plants and animals, the earth that nourishes our food, and the vast sea that sustains life all connect us in an unbreakable cycle. Even our own bodies, made up of about 75% water, reflect this profound relationship with nature. Through the story, I encourage young readers to respect and protect our planet.

Q: How does your clean book offer a fresh perspective on unity, love and respect?

I wrote R.A.T.S with a deep conviction that young people deserve stories that uplift, inspire, and empower them. My book proves that a powerful story doesn't need violence, drugs, or harmful influences to be exciting and meaningful. Instead, it focuses on the strength found in friendship and the courage to stand up for what is right.

CONTACT

Corrine Pritchett · corrine@booksforward.com

READERS’ FAVORITE · MAY 4, 2025

Official Review: Readers’ Favorite

"Should be included in every school library."

▶
"There are spectacular illustrations included in each chapter which capture the sci-fi elements perfectly. The pertinent themes of unity and forgiveness are ultimately relevant to today's world. The thing I liked most in the novel was the snippets of wisdom slipped into the mouths of the characters. RATS: Revolutionary Army of Teens is a thought-provoking novel that should be included in every school library."

READERS’ FAVORITE

GIRLTALKHQ · MAY 4, 2025

Centering Strong Young Female Leads

My New Novel About Teens Saving The World

▶

In a world that often tells young women to shrink, to doubt themselves, or to fit into predefined roles, empowerment is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. True empowerment comes from recognizing our worth, embracing our individuality, and using our voices to make a difference. This is the heart of R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One.

THE POWER OF UNITY

One of the most powerful lessons I want to share through R.A.T.S is that true strength does not come from standing alone, but from standing together. The slogan "We Are One" is a reminder that when we support each other, regardless of background, religion, or circumstance, we become a force that cannot be ignored.

COURAGE TO CHALLENGE THE NORM

The characters in R.A.T.S do not accept the world as it is; they challenge it. They step out of their comfort zones, confront injustice, and take action for the greater good. Empowerment is not about never being afraid; it is about acting despite fear.

THE STRENGTH WITHIN

In R.A.T.S, each character discovers their own unique strengths, proving that empowerment does not look the same for everyone. Some lead, some support, some strategize, and some heal, but all of them are powerful in their own way.

"So stand tall. Support your sisters. And never forget: We Are One."

COMMUNITY · APRIL 27, 2025

Club di Movimento · Aruba

The Art That Inspires Lives Since 1997

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Founded by the talented Brazilian ballerina Samanta Westera Juppa, Club di Movimento is much more than a ballet school: it is a space where passion for art transforms into discipline, grace, and self-expression. With dedication and love, Samanta has been nurturing generations of young dancers in Aruba, inspiring them to find their voice through movement.

In 2025, Club di Movimento proudly joined the We Are One movement, bringing to Rancho Daimari a breathtaking performance filled with light, sensitivity, and unity. Under Samanta's direction, her students enchanted the audience with a show that celebrated the power of art as a tool for transformation and hope.

"Club di Movimento: where dance gives wings to the soul."

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT · APRIL 25, 2025

Books Forward: The Team

Meet the publicity powerhouse behind R.A.T.S

▶
JS

Julie Schoerke

FOUNDER

CP

Corrine Pritchett

PUBLICITY · corrine@booksforward.com

PARTNERSHIP · APRIL 25, 2025

Books Forward · Our Partnership

Inspiring Words, Empowering Journeys

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At the heart of every meaningful story lies a powerful message, and with Books Forward, we've found the perfect ally to help amplify that message to the world. With their passion for storytelling, commitment to positive impact, and deep respect for each author's voice, our collaboration is a step toward inspiring change, one reader at a time.

PUBLICITY PARTNER

Books Forward · corrine@booksforward.com

2026 Independent Press Award Certificate

2026 Independent Press Award · Distinguished Favorite · January 19, 2026