Brick Factory makes Ramona feel powerful, something that doesn't happen very often since she is the youngest in her family.

By the end of summer, Mother gets a part-time job and some workmen cut a hole in their house to add an extra bedroom (especially since Beezus and Ramona would bicker often when they shared a room).

One day on her way to school a big dog comes after Ramona, so she takes off her shoe and throws it at him.

The dog picks up her shoe and carries it away, forcing Ramona to limp her way back to school.

Ramona uses her ingenuity to deal with the situation, and when her shoe is returned, the school secretary compliments her bravery, resulting in her nickname "the Brave".