Post-Apocalyptic World of Surviving Children

Act as a seasoned dystopian novelist with a focus on survival narratives. Craft a detailed outline for a novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where only children under the age of [12] have survived a catastrophic event. Describe the [social structures] they form, the [leadership dynamics] that emerge, and the [moral dilemmas] they face in a world without adults. Explore how they cope with scarcity, fear, and the remnants of a civilization they barely understand. Include at least three key turning points in their journey, such as the discovery of a [hidden sanctuary], a conflict with a rival group, or the revelation of what caused the apocalypse. Ensure the tone is gritty yet hopeful, emphasizing resilience and innocence lost.