How does the author use symbolism in the novel, What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez?

In What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez, Jiménez utilizes track to symbolize Ruthy’s desire for freedom. The thirteen year old wants to exist outside of the confines of the assumptions made about her by her peers, teachers, and family. During school, she feels trapped by the dean’s dismissive attitude, Yesenia’s wavering friendship and Angela’s bullying. However, when she is running track, she feels untouchable. Similarly, Ruthy wants to to define her own identity without the bias of others.