SOLVED. YA/children's, space race, sputnik, catch a falling star song [s]

[Moira]

Ok so I really don't remember much about this one. I read it when I was a kid so was probably 15years ago. All I remember is it being set around the time of the space race and sputnik, I think in de 1950s. (I'm not American so my knowledge could be faulty) I think the main character was a boy and he (or his mother) would sing the 'catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away' song. And for some reason I think aliens are part of the story or at least his belief in them, but I'm not positive on this.
As I've said it has been about 15years since i read it so any help or guesses would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[Cheryl]

Oh I hope it's found; I want to read it!

[Abigail]

"Catch a Falling Star" was released in 1957 and Sputnik was launched October 4, also 1957, if that's any help narrowing a search.

[Andria]

Possibly The Truth Out There by Celia Rees?

[Moira]

Don't think the book was released at the same time, for some reason I'm thinking it was an 80's or 90's release. It might be told through flash backs but I may be getting it confused with another book!! But then again I could be completely wrong about everything!!:/

[Andria]

Moira, did you see my post? I think we posted at about the same time so you may have missed it - I think it might be The Truth Out There. It has song: "catch a falling Sputnik put it in your pocket"

[Moira]

Think we did!!:) I think that could be it, the bit about AlienState 3 sounds so familiar!!! Now I've to find a copy of it somewhere! Thank you so much, it's been bugging me for ages.

[Andria]

You're welcome! So happy to help. :)

[Moira]

This is the cover I was familiar with!

[Cheryl]

Moira, there's a bit of confusion now. You posted a cover for Truth or Dare. But the book title Andria suggests is The Truth Out There. Is it the same book, retitled? If not, which one is actually your mystery book?

[Andria]

Cheryl, it was published as The Truth Out There in the US, and as Truth or Dare in the UK, according to the author's website. Same book, with a MUCH better cover in the UK!

[Moira]

Sorry for the confusion guys, Andria is right same book but different (and I agree, better) cover!

[Cheryl]

Thank you both for clarifying!