All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury

Kids can be so cruel.

In Bradbury's imagined vision of a newly colonized Venus, living on this planet is harsh and depressing. Surrounded by vast jungles, it is always raining and covered in perpetual fog. The sun only comes out briefly once every seven years. Many of the children born here have never experienced sunshine before and giddy with excitement for this auspicious day. The story takes place at an elementary school from the perspective of children and despite the otherworldly setting, Bradbury tackles themes of childhood growing pains associated with socialization and bullying. Margot is ostracized from her classmates for being 'different' since she is a new student from Earth and remembers the beautiful sun. Of course, the others are incredulous. They enjoy teasing and playing pranks on her, which escalates to locking Margot in a closet. 

A pervasive melancholy tone is established throughout the story, further accentuated by the dreary weather and unforgiving landscape. In only a few short pages, Bradbury's economical prose shines and the his depiction of children, especially when speaking, feels authentic. The juxtaposition between childhood innocence and loss is haunting.