ABANDONED. kids book/series about a boy growing up trying to lose weight and who plays the trombone

[Jen]

This book was along the lines of something by Judy Blume or Beverly Cleary.

About a young boy who started out as a pain but who grew up. I specifically remember him coming home from school to an empty house, practicing his trombone, then having an afterschool snack (which was portion controlled because he was pudgy and wanted to lose weight). I think he had trouble making friends, and that his mom being at work rather than home with him was a new thing.

[Tab]

How many years ago did you read this?
Part of a series?
Anything about the cover?
Time period/location story takes place?

[Jen]

i read this as a kid, so 15 to 20 years ago.
Yes, I believe it was part of a series
I do not remember the cover at all
Time period I am not sure. I would guess 60' to 80's.

[Kat]

This probably isn't it, but just in case, any chance it's One Fat Summer? http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26...

[Cassandra]

The main character played a bugle rather than a trombone, but otherwise, this sounds like The Bully of Barkham Street by Mary Stolz.

The first book in the series was A Dog on Barkham Street which was about Martin's next door neighbor.

The next book in the series was The Explorer of Barkham Street.

[Rainbowheart]

Jen, was The Bully of Barkham Street your book?

[Kris]

No response, moving to Abandoned folder.

Jen (OP) was last active on the site in November 2021.