ORANJESTAD (AAN):
Author Claudia Daher-Ponson, who debuted her first novel “R.A.T.S Revolutionary Army of Teens – We Are One”, has revealed an exclusive update to DIARIO: she is already working on the second book in the inspirational series.
R.A.T.S Revolutionary Army of Teens – We Are One is much more than a science fiction story. Written for young readers, the book was conceived in 2013 when Daher-Ponson observed how children were spending increasing amounts of time on phones and computers, gradually distancing themselves from family values and real human connection. This reality inspired her to explore the consequences of living in a hyperconnected digital society, where technology often competes with affection, respect for elders, and family bonds.
“Children began showing more attachment to computers than to their parents, grandparents, and families. They live a digital life, entering virtual worlds and becoming trapped in stories that do not exist. When adults try to intervene, children often refuse to listen, believing the computer knows better,” Daher-Ponson explained.
Motivated by these observations and by real-life situations involving friends of her children who faced family struggles and a lack of respect for elders, Claudia transformed her concerns into action. She drew inspiration from a young person she knew personally — humble, kind, generous, dedicated to learning, and always willing to help others regardless of religion or social class.
This inspiration became the foundation of the story, centered around David, an Aruban teenager who forms online friendships with youths from around the world. His grandfather invents a game called “R.A.T.S Revolutionary Army of Teens – We Are One” and gives it to David to test. Soon, David and his international friends form a team through the game.
The storyline addresses global issues such as climate change and world crises. The book opens in Aruba in the year 2040, where the teenagers notice alarming environmental changes while playing beach tennis. Later, they witness reports of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other global disasters. Through the game, the youths learn that unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility are essential to protecting the planet.
The core message of the book emphasizes unity and strength beyond religion, race, or social class. In the story, the teens believe they are defending the world from alien threats, only to discover that the true danger is humanity itself — those who destroy the planet. Unbeknownst to them, the game serves as training to prepare them to defend the real world.
The book was released globally in late 2024 by the internationally renowned publisher Pegasus Publishing London. In Aruba, it was launched successfully in several schools and at the National Library of Aruba, receiving a warm and enthusiastic response.
Daher-Ponson also shared that the second book in the series is currently in development. This sequel will further explore the importance of unity among all nations and peoples and will include representations of various religions, such as Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism. The story will symbolically involve religious leaders, including references inspired by her recent visit to the Vatican, where she presented a copy of her book to the Pope.
The author concluded by emphasizing that the future of humanity lies in the hands of individuals and encouraged the community to read the book and allow Aruban youth to absorb its powerful message of unity, peace, and responsibility.
Proceeds from the book will support the “We Are One” Foundation, which promotes global unity and peace through interfaith cooperation.
In April, Claudia Daher-Ponson will receive the Distinguished Favorite Independent Press Award in the category “Science Fiction: Existential & Social Resilience” in New York City. The event will feature international media platforms such as Fox News, Vogue Magazine, and well-known podcasters. She expressed pride in bringing this recognition back to Aruba.
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