Now that our friendship is ended, I’m in the market for a new best friend.
-- Greg (Section 1, Page 2 paragraph 2)

Importance: As soon as the novel begins, Greg explains that his friendship with Rowley has ended. This has occurred due to a fight, the details of which are not given. As a result, Greg begins the school year without a best friend, and commencing a search looking for a new best friend. It is the first of many changes Greg will encounter through the autumn.

Every time someone in my family gets to be about my age, Gammie sits them down and talks to them about who-knows-what.
-- Greg (Section 1, Page 45 paragraph 1)

Importance: As the novel gets underway, Greg relates to his diary that he is now at the age where Gammie has “The Talk” with the kids of the family. Greg has no idea what “The Talk” is about, but it is enough that is worries him. Greg comes to...