SOLVED. YA book. Adults have died of a disease affecting only them, bands of children must forage from houses, eventually find a warehouse of goods. Female protagonist. Read likely between 1991 - 1999 as a requirement for English class. [s]

[Becky]

I distinctly remember can openers being coveted items. Bands of children compete for resources. I think they may have pooled their efforts to access a warehouse and they began to wonder if they could get electricity up and running again. I'm sorry I don't have more details, it is from my youth. I've thought of this book so many times over the years (definitely when using a can opener) but mostly remember it sparking my love for post-apocalyptic fiction.

Any help appreciated to find a first love.

[Trilobyte]

The Girl Who Owned a City

[Becky]

I recognized the original cover I when I googled it. THANK YOU!!! YOU'RE A HERO TODAY! Case solved.