How does the author use symbolism in the novel, The Wee Free Men?

The author uses chalk to symbolize the fragile beginnings from which a future witch can potentially emerge. Tiffany's homeland, called The Chalk, is thought to be a very unlikely place for a witch to come from; as one of the witches claims, witches need sturdy ground and "chalk's too soft to grow a witch on" (8).

However, chalk is made up of millions of creatures which existed in the area and now make up the land itself, and The Chalk itself is shown to be a place with a complex (and largely unknown) history. Likewise, Tiffany proves herself to be much more than an ordinary young girl, and made of stronger stuff than anyone realizes in the beginning.