Zenna Henderson became a pioneer in science fiction, primarily through her evocative short stories about 'The People,' sensitive, psychic aliens separated after a crash-landing on Earth who gradually find each other. As one of the earliest female science fiction authors to openly write as a woman, she offered a unique perspective, drawing deeply from her experiences as an educator. Henderson revolutionized the genre by treating young protagonists with profound seriousness, crafting mature, expressive narratives from their authentic point of view. Her characters, portrayed as complete souls marked by genuine youth and innocence, significantly influenced subsequent writers known for their compelling depictions of young people.
A novel expanded from a short story (different from book 1 Pilgrimage which was a push of short stories connected by new material) of the alien PEOPLE and earthlings with gifts similar to those of the People -- who might be lost PEOPLE! The "People" stories inclulded in this book: No Different Flesh (1965) Deluge (1963) Angels Unawares (1966) Troubling of the Waters (1966) Return (1961) Shadow on the Moon (1962)