The producers of the tv show Yellowjackets have said that LotF was an inspiration (which is also obvious from watching it). A hugely influential novel. I first read it when I was probably too young (9 or 10), and have read it a few times since.

Also, source of a completely false stereotype, that kids left without adults (or people without rulers) will destroy themselves. In fact, they're fine. This actually happened - a bunch of kids, around 12-14, were stranded on a polynesian island. Rather than fight and die, they found chickens, remembered how their family plants crops and constructs makeshift roofs, and built a functioning, caring society that lasted for months until their people found them. At which point they were healthy and fine.

It is a very good novel, I have actually been able to read it more than twice and I also recommend The Hunger Games, both the book and the movie are excellent.