1. Characterisation: Soto creates well-developed and three-dimensional characters by revealing their thoughts, emotions, struggles and growth. He uses details about their actions and interactions to showcase their personalities and motivations.
2. Dialogue: Soto uses dialogue effectively to portray characters' personalities and relationships. The conversations between characters provide insights into their dynamics and conflicts, and help readers understand their perspectives.
3. Setting and symbolism: Soto uses the setting of the story to symbolise the emotions and experiences of his characters. The school, with its challenges, triumphs, and friendships, becomes a reflection of the characters' inner journeys.
4. Figurative language: Soto uses figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes, to enhance his descriptions and add depth to his characters. These figures of speech create vivid imagery and offer readers a deeper understanding of the characters' experiences.
5. Flashbacks: Soto employs flashbacks to provide glimpses into characters' pasts, shedding light on events and experiences that have shaped who they are in the present.
6. Irony: Soto uses irony to create moments of tension and humor, often subverting expectations and highlighting unexpected outcomes.
7. Foreshadowing: Soto uses subtle hints and clues to foreshadow events, building suspense and preparing readers for upcoming plot developments.
8. Themes and motifs: Soto explores universal themes such as friendship, identity, and the challenges of adolescence. He uses motifs, such as sports, school, and family to weave these themes into the narrative.
9. Voice: Soto's use of a distinct and authentic voice allows readers to connect with the characters and their experiences on a personal level.
10. Point-of-view: Soto mostly presents the story from a limited third-person point of view, but occasionally shifts to offer glimpses into the inner thoughts of specific characters, deepening readers' understanding of their emotional state.
These literacy devices effectively create a rich and engaging reading experience, drawing readers into the lives and struggles of Soto's characters, while also advancing the story and facilitating readers' understanding of the themes and motifs explored in ''Seventh Grade''.