The title is a reference to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. Heavy on the pathos, it's the story of a girl (avid reader, note) growing up in turn of the century Brooklyn.

What are Daria and Jane doing in a mall?

Diary of a Mad _____ is a fairly common title.

The cricket in Brittany's teeth is a reference to a very, very old joke. "How do you know a happy biker? By the bugs in his teeth."

False teeth used to be made from wood.

This is Artie's second pizza-related job that we know of.

Jane's comment about twisting her head around and around and around is a reference to the movie "The Exorcist"

How many elementary school boys are interested in "chicks"?

Jane's "Did he turn into a dog or something?" is a reference to the belief of reincarnation.

The guy behind Helen and Jake in the stands looks a lot like one of the workers in the Doo-Dad store in "Malled"

At the end, when Daria says "this is a day of miracles," and you see the crutch bloom, it seems like a refernce to Exodus, when Aaron's staff buds as a sign from God.