I'm trying to recall the names of two books... please help?

Question

First book. There are several characters. It's mainly about a girl called Hero who chooses not to speak to anyone but her brother Alto, loves climbing trees, has a sister called Sapphire who has a weird dictionary, and her mother is an author. Hero also does some gardening jobs for some old woman, and there's a boy called Sam involved in it somewhere. That isn't the main storyline, but it's loosely based around this lot.

Second book. It's sci-fi, involves a star that actually stays on a planet, very few people are allowed to go near it, those that do run the risk of going mad and have to wear protective gear. It either burns out or someone else needs it, I can't remember it exactly, but the star has to be taken away from its current residential position. It follows a boy, and a girl who comes across as being a bit sulky/a boy hater, as they take the star on its journey. I have no idea what it's called or who its by. Please help.

Answer 1

Can't name the books, but you might try posting your second question on the news group rec.arts.sf.written (see link below to access via Google Groups). They have an extremely good track record of identifying SF stories from very little information. Post your question as a "YASID" ("yet another story ID").

Answer 2

Whipping Star and its sequel The Dosadi Experiment by Frank Herbert (creator of Dune) feature a sentient star but to the best of my recollection do not otherwise match your description.

Answer 3

I have no idea, but I'll forward your question to some friends who might.

I hate it when I can't recall a book!

Answer 4

Cant recall them but have an idea. Why dont you go and see if u can get them from where you ahd read them from.

Answer 5

I tried but i do not know sorry