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Junie B. Jones #22
Junie B., First Grader: One-Man Band
Meet the World's Funniest First Grader—Junie B. Jones!
Go Room One! With over 50 million books in print, Barbara Park's New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for over 20 years! In the 22nd Junie B. Jones book, it’s time for the first-grade kickball tournament! Only, here’s the problem. Junie B. has hurt her big piggy toe and she can’t play on the team. So, now what? She definitely doesn’t want to be a cheerleader. But wait! Maybe she could be in Sheldon’s halftime show! Then all eyes would be on her! And she would be the star! Hurray! Hurray! Junie B. . . . in the spotlight. What could possibly go wrong?
USA TODAY :
"Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set."
Publisher's Weekly :
"Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun."
Kirkus Reviews :
"Junie's swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world….A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud."
Time Magazine :
"Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty."
Go Room One! With over 50 million books in print, Barbara Park's New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for over 20 years! In the 22nd Junie B. Jones book, it’s time for the first-grade kickball tournament! Only, here’s the problem. Junie B. has hurt her big piggy toe and she can’t play on the team. So, now what? She definitely doesn’t want to be a cheerleader. But wait! Maybe she could be in Sheldon’s halftime show! Then all eyes would be on her! And she would be the star! Hurray! Hurray! Junie B. . . . in the spotlight. What could possibly go wrong?
USA TODAY :
"Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set."
Publisher's Weekly :
"Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun."
Kirkus Reviews :
"Junie's swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world….A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud."
Time Magazine :
"Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty."
87 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2003
123 people are currently reading
2261 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Park
380 books1,084 followersBarbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 4, 2022
My daughter loves these books. Her teacher read one to the class and now she wants me to read the rest of them to her. Great books.
September 8, 2012
Helen loved the funny voice of this first grader!
March 3, 2013
Junie B. was very excited to get the star in the first grade kick ball tournament at her school. She was so excited that she decided that she would practice at home, but something went wrong. Junie B. kicked her ball over the fence and didn't have anything else to kick so she decided that she would kick her mom's watering can. This didn't work and she ended up hurting her toe. Mr. Scary, her teacher, found out and told Junie B. that it probably was best that she should stay out of the tournament, but be apart of the half-time show with Sheldon who hurt his head. Junie B. decided that she would juggle for the half time show and was trying to learn. Sheldon was so afraid so he ran off, so Junie B. decided that she would perform by herself and she was the star of the half-time show! The illustrations in this book were just enough so get the picture on how Junie B. felt along the way of the story.
I remember when I was in the second grade, I broke my arm in the summer and wasn't able to go swimming with any of my friends, but my mom came up with a good idea and put a plastic bag over my arm that way I was able to at least get in the shallow end of the pool with friends. This kind of reminds me of Junie B.'s situation because since she hurt herself and wasn't able to do anything fun with her friends, the teacher made accommodations for her that way she was still able to participate in a way.
I can apply this to my classroom simply by letting all of my students know that I can make any accommodations for them if they need them. I would probably read this to the class at the beginning of the year to get that point across to them that I am there for each one of them and that I will try to help them if they need it. A follow up activity would be asking them what kind of talent would they do during the half time show and see if we could put a talent show on in our very own classroom. This will give everyone the chance to show off and get to know their classmates.
The Lexile for this book is 380L and the guided reading is M. I would expect 3rd graders to start reading this book on their own, but any student young or old would most definitely enjoy this book.
I remember when I was in the second grade, I broke my arm in the summer and wasn't able to go swimming with any of my friends, but my mom came up with a good idea and put a plastic bag over my arm that way I was able to at least get in the shallow end of the pool with friends. This kind of reminds me of Junie B.'s situation because since she hurt herself and wasn't able to do anything fun with her friends, the teacher made accommodations for her that way she was still able to participate in a way.
I can apply this to my classroom simply by letting all of my students know that I can make any accommodations for them if they need them. I would probably read this to the class at the beginning of the year to get that point across to them that I am there for each one of them and that I will try to help them if they need it. A follow up activity would be asking them what kind of talent would they do during the half time show and see if we could put a talent show on in our very own classroom. This will give everyone the chance to show off and get to know their classmates.
The Lexile for this book is 380L and the guided reading is M. I would expect 3rd graders to start reading this book on their own, but any student young or old would most definitely enjoy this book.
June 29, 2015
It was funny
February 1, 2019
What I find amusing is the hidden sarcasm in these stories, when Sheldon who has a bump on his head says to his teacher.
“Even though I came back to school today, I’m still not totally right up here” and his teacher replies “Oh yes, Sheldon. I’m very aware of that”. Plus the walking to the sink to pop aspirins, these poor teachers seem to get a lot of headaches, lol
Very cute tales to read together with young ones and for older kids to read by themselves.
“Even though I came back to school today, I’m still not totally right up here” and his teacher replies “Oh yes, Sheldon. I’m very aware of that”. Plus the walking to the sink to pop aspirins, these poor teachers seem to get a lot of headaches, lol
Very cute tales to read together with young ones and for older kids to read by themselves.
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December 2, 2024Practicing Spanish
March 3, 2021
Junie B. entertains the crowd at her school's kickball tournament half-time show.
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May 6, 2024She's gonna be a comedian one day.
May 6, 2025
Zola said this one was AWESOME. A fun read as always. And a fun lesson about perseverance and making the best out of a bad situation.
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October 31, 2017First, Junie B. played kickball and there was a kickball tournament coming up and she said she was amazing so she decided to practice in the back of her parents yard with a soda can. As she was kicking the can, she kicked it so hard it went over the neighbor's fence and not only that but she hurt her toe really bad.Then, as Junie B. was hurting her parents came running outside wondering what had happened. Last, As she was in so much pain she was freaking out wondering what she is going to do for the kickball tournament because she was so good. She wanted to be able to play but she couldn’t and she was wondering what she wanted to do because she couldn’t play. She thought of juggling, but she didn’t know how so her dad helped her and she finally got it after practicing a lot but she was scared about the audience but as she was doing it everybody loved it and wanted her to keep going so she did.One reason I like how was how she was trying to figure out what she can do since she hurt her toe. I also liked that she wanted to juggle because it was new for her, and how she kept on practicing which was good for her.I like that she was nervous cause that would make her do better, and everybody liked it. Because they were all cheering for each other and it made her feel really really happy about herself. I didn’t like how she was always complaining about her toe so much because she would feel down on herself way too much.I also didn’t like how she was freaking out about what she was going to do because she had a lot of opinions that people kept giving her.Junie B. was complaining about her mom telling her that she has to wear sandals to school because Junie B. said that it was just way too cold outside.I would tell other people about this book because I think that it would be funny for people to read if they love reading funny books and love seeing people trying new things like Junie B. did with her practicing how to juggle. I think that I would want other schools and libraries to hear about this book if they haven’t.
October 20, 2016
Fiction
Lexie 380L
DRA 28
GRL M
Junie B. Jones is excited to play in the first grade kickball tournament until she hurts her toe practicing for the tournament. Junie decides that she wants to learn how to juggle for the half time show. Can she learn how to juggle in time?
This is most defiantly a book that is written for children. As an adult I find Junie to be self- centered and spoiled. Julie hurt her foot because she kicked her mother’s watering can full of water. Her poor choice is directly related to why she cannot participate in the tournament. I find it highly annoying that all of the adults in her life are trying to bend over backwards to include her in the tournament. I am also disappointed by the conclusion of the book. Junie decides that she wants to learn to juggle but has a hard time learning how to juggle. Spoiler Alert: Even though she can only juggle two lemons the night before, she somehow manages to juggle three lemons during the half time show. Although she does practice before the show I don’t like the message that things that are hard just magically happen.
Although I am not a fan of this book, I know that a lot of kids do love these books. This series is engaging for beginning readers which is why I choose it. This is the first book I have read in this series so I may have just chosen one that I did not like. Luckily it was a quick read. I honestly don’t think I would use this book in my class for teaching, but it will probably be in my class library if a student chooses to read it.
Lexie 380L
DRA 28
GRL M
Junie B. Jones is excited to play in the first grade kickball tournament until she hurts her toe practicing for the tournament. Junie decides that she wants to learn how to juggle for the half time show. Can she learn how to juggle in time?
This is most defiantly a book that is written for children. As an adult I find Junie to be self- centered and spoiled. Julie hurt her foot because she kicked her mother’s watering can full of water. Her poor choice is directly related to why she cannot participate in the tournament. I find it highly annoying that all of the adults in her life are trying to bend over backwards to include her in the tournament. I am also disappointed by the conclusion of the book. Junie decides that she wants to learn to juggle but has a hard time learning how to juggle. Spoiler Alert: Even though she can only juggle two lemons the night before, she somehow manages to juggle three lemons during the half time show. Although she does practice before the show I don’t like the message that things that are hard just magically happen.
Although I am not a fan of this book, I know that a lot of kids do love these books. This series is engaging for beginning readers which is why I choose it. This is the first book I have read in this series so I may have just chosen one that I did not like. Luckily it was a quick read. I honestly don’t think I would use this book in my class for teaching, but it will probably be in my class library if a student chooses to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2018
Junie B. Jones is part of a series all about Junie B. In this book, Junie B., First Grader: One-Man Band, Junie tries to find another way to be active in her first grade kickoff tournament. With a hurt toe, she isn't able to participate but she finds a way. Her way is the one-man band. When the time has come, the act before her, Sheldon and the cymbals goes wrong and Sheldon runs off the field in tears. Junie picks up the cymbals and start making a noise. She captures the attention of the crowd and starts her act- juggling. She actually turns out to be decent and gives the crown some entertainment. The book teaches students about perseverance and cause and effect situations.
I really liked this book. I think it teaches a great lesson about cause and effect situations that you can use during a bookclub discussion or as comprehension to the students. I also think it teaches about perseverance and not giving up when life gets tough. Her goal is to be seen at the event even if it is not playing kickball. I didn't like the poor grammar throughout the book even though it's how first graders sometimes talk. I think it can give readers the wrong impression about proper speaking and writing. What I do like about this book though is the funniness in Junie and her character. I think she does a great job portraying the life of a first grader and how life can be funny and that's okay! These are definitely a series of books I would keep on my shelf as a teacher because they are easy reads that are funny and can be easily comprehended.
I really liked this book. I think it teaches a great lesson about cause and effect situations that you can use during a bookclub discussion or as comprehension to the students. I also think it teaches about perseverance and not giving up when life gets tough. Her goal is to be seen at the event even if it is not playing kickball. I didn't like the poor grammar throughout the book even though it's how first graders sometimes talk. I think it can give readers the wrong impression about proper speaking and writing. What I do like about this book though is the funniness in Junie and her character. I think she does a great job portraying the life of a first grader and how life can be funny and that's okay! These are definitely a series of books I would keep on my shelf as a teacher because they are easy reads that are funny and can be easily comprehended.
April 23, 2013
"Junie B. Jones, First Grader: One-Man Band" is the hilarious story of Junie B. Jones and how she is unable to play in the class kick ball team because she stubs her toe badly practicing at home. Throughout the book she makes the reader feel as if they can feel her pain of not being able to participate in the class kick ball game.
This book is relatable to students who are not able to participate in events that they have been looking forward to and allows then to view the bright side to the situation like Ray mentions. This book also connects with Fletcher in the way that you connect with the character through their narratives and rants about the situation. I, obviously, am no longer a child but I was able to connect with her in the way that I would to any other adult because of these crafts. Barbara Parks does a great job of creating these characters and allowing them to find their voice through her.
I would take these same strategies and instill them into my students by asking them to write about a situation and how they believe an adult would act or react in the situation they make up. Connecting with the voice of their characters and writing from their interests can benefit them and spark their interests in writing.
This book is relatable to students who are not able to participate in events that they have been looking forward to and allows then to view the bright side to the situation like Ray mentions. This book also connects with Fletcher in the way that you connect with the character through their narratives and rants about the situation. I, obviously, am no longer a child but I was able to connect with her in the way that I would to any other adult because of these crafts. Barbara Parks does a great job of creating these characters and allowing them to find their voice through her.
I would take these same strategies and instill them into my students by asking them to write about a situation and how they believe an adult would act or react in the situation they make up. Connecting with the voice of their characters and writing from their interests can benefit them and spark their interests in writing.
September 9, 2012
Barbra Parks has created another entertaining children’s novel. This story is all about how their class is supposed to be having a great big kickball party but then two of the students in their class get hurt and so the teacher has to improvise and create special parts for them so they are still able to participate and they wont feel left out on the special kickball day. Mr. Scary decided that Junie B. and Sheldon would be the halftime show. He taught them about everything that happens in a halftime show. Junie B was going to try and juggle but she was having a hard time learning and Sheldon was going to sing. On the day of the event, Sheldon and Junie B. both were very nervous and they didn’t want to perform, but they did anyway and something great happened for Junie B. Overall, I think that Barbara Parks did a wonderful job creating that book but this was not one of my favorites since the kids made fun of them so much. That is something really hard for a future teacher to read about. While I thought it was funny, I don’t think I would read it to a group of first graders.
January 29, 2010
This book was a funny read and took me back to my young days of reading books like this. I actually miss reading these books. This Junie B. Jones book is about how Room One is in a Kickball Tournament with the other first grader classrooms. Junie B. is so determined to play kickball with her class and to be the best that when she was praticing at home, she kicked a water can...that was actually full of water. When she did this, she hurt her toe. Then she went to school the next day and her mom allowed her to wear sandals and a book falls on it injuring it again. So the next morning, her mom let her wear "peeking tole" holes in non brand name shoes. Then Junie B., does not get to play in the marching band. But she ends up saving the half time show during the Kickball Tournament.
This book is a good read for all ages and talks about how even though you may not get to do your first choice, you can still find a way to be happy.
This book is a good read for all ages and talks about how even though you may not get to do your first choice, you can still find a way to be happy.
January 8, 2016
This was a really great Junie B story. I loved the message. Dealing with disappointment is a huge issue we have at home. I don't know if they 'got' the message but they were entranced by the story.
My kids adored the story. They were laughing all the way through it. When Junie B. finally figured out how to juggle my kids screamed with delight. Even after the story was finished they were talking about it, super excitedly.
I love the humor in all the Junie B books. I find there are easter eggs for the adults that the kids don't get. Sometimes I bust out laughing and my kids are asking me what is funny. The fact that I actually laugh out loud during a children's book really says a lot.
The grammar does irk me all the way through though. This is a super negative point for me. The kids don't seem to mind, and they have not yet started copying her grammar errors, so in the end, I guess it is not as big a deal as I make it.
My kids adored the story. They were laughing all the way through it. When Junie B. finally figured out how to juggle my kids screamed with delight. Even after the story was finished they were talking about it, super excitedly.
I love the humor in all the Junie B books. I find there are easter eggs for the adults that the kids don't get. Sometimes I bust out laughing and my kids are asking me what is funny. The fact that I actually laugh out loud during a children's book really says a lot.
The grammar does irk me all the way through though. This is a super negative point for me. The kids don't seem to mind, and they have not yet started copying her grammar errors, so in the end, I guess it is not as big a deal as I make it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2012
As Junie B. is getting geared up to play in the kickball tournament, tragedy strikes, she has hurt her toe and can no longer play. This spunky little girl shows attitude and great humor throughout this story, as usual for Junie B. I think that this book, along with all of the others in her series are fantastic! When i was younger, i did not enjoy reading very much, but once i found the Junie B. Jones books, i was hooked. I think thats the best thing about these books is that they make kids want to come back for more! This book in particular has a great story because Junie wants to figure out something else she can do now that she cant play in the kickball tournament, she doesn't want to be a cheerleader so she only has a few options left. I would recommend this book to any child who wants a fun, entertaining book that they wont be able to put down!
June 20, 2017
Junie B. Is adorable as ever when she signs up to be in the halftime show for the first grade kickball tournament. Originally, she was going to play in the tournament, but after a cow kicking accident, she is convinced to be in the halftime show with her friend, Sheldon. Junie B. Decides that she is going to juggle in the show, but she has to learn how first! I've always loved Junie B.'s wit and perseverance and this book was no different.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2015
It's cute. Teaches a good lesson about disappointment, flexibility, and follow through. Junie B is excited about the kickball tournament but she doubly injures her toe and can't participate. The book follows how she deals with the disappointment and what she does instead. Not laugh-out-loud funny like some of the Junie B books.
August 7, 2015
3.5*
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This series never fails to be a fun read. It is so delightful. I do think it spent too much time going on about Junie B.'s hurt toe, but overall, it was a nice quick-read.
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This series never fails to be a fun read. It is so delightful. I do think it spent too much time going on about Junie B.'s hurt toe, but overall, it was a nice quick-read.
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September 16, 2016I WOULD recommend the book to my friends because its a really good book and its full of adventure.
*My favorite part of the book was when Junie B was in the band and she started to juggle some food.
* I wish I could get all of the books and read them.
*My favorite part of the book was when Junie B was in the band and she started to juggle some food.
* I wish I could get all of the books and read them.
September 8, 2017
Junie B. tells it like it is. She has a strong personality. In this book she hurts her toe and isn't able to participate in the school kickball tournament. She has to perform a half-time show instead. This book is a fun read-aloud for elementary school aged kids.
April 6, 2014
Junior b jones :one man band.
I really liked the idea of the book and I think it's just right for you if you are interested in kickball and bands
I think it's rated 5 stars for 4-15
I really liked the idea of the book and I think it's just right for you if you are interested in kickball and bands
I think it's rated 5 stars for 4-15
May 18, 2015
This book is about a girl named junie b jones and she hearts her foot and cant play in field day and gets to do the have time show but her friend jack does not do it so she has to do it by her self.
July 8, 2015
I think my grandson is reading this author. The author does a great job of writing about elementary school with a positive message!
March 6, 2017
This book is fun, just to remember my childhood. What I read back then, and after I went and started reading it again I notice that I missed so much
August 18, 2023
Junie B. Jones First Grader: One-Man Band is a super funny book, and it's number 22 in the Junie B. Jones series! The story is about Junie B.'s excitement because a big Kickball tournament is coming up, and her class, room nine, will be playing against room eight. Junie B. and her classmates are so pumped up about the tournament!
But uh-oh, something not-so-great happens. Junie B. hurts her toe! Ouch! And there's another kid named Sheldon who bumps his head. They're both feeling sad because they can't play in the Kickball game anymore. They think they're going to be left out.
But guess what? Junie B. and Sheldon get special jobs instead! They're going to be the halftime entertainment for the game! That means they'll do fun stuff during the middle of the game. Junie B. thinks of all sorts of things she could do, like juggling or dancing.
She sees her dad juggle, and she thinks it's super cool! Before she got the special job, she wanted to learn to juggle. Her parents tell her that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But Junie B. gets confused because she doesn't see any lemons around. Her parents just mean it's a saying, not about real lemons.
Later on, Junie B. wants to try juggling, and her dad surprises her with some lemons! Not the real lemons, just the ones you juggle. She gets really excited and practices a lot.
Now, here's the really funny part! A while back, Junie B. was practicing with a ball. She accidentally kicked the ball over a fence into a lake with alligators! Oh no! She saw a watering can with a cow on it and thought she could use it to scoop out water. But when she kicked it, it got a big dent! Her mom found out and asked her why she thought there'd be water inside a watering can. Junie B. didn't know that watering cans don't usually have water in them!
From this book, we learn that if we try really hard and put our minds to it, we can do anything. Junie B. shows us that even when things don't go as planned, we can still find a way to have fun and be creative. It's a silly and happy story that makes us laugh and feel inspired!
Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/lX_ePOaWArg
But uh-oh, something not-so-great happens. Junie B. hurts her toe! Ouch! And there's another kid named Sheldon who bumps his head. They're both feeling sad because they can't play in the Kickball game anymore. They think they're going to be left out.
But guess what? Junie B. and Sheldon get special jobs instead! They're going to be the halftime entertainment for the game! That means they'll do fun stuff during the middle of the game. Junie B. thinks of all sorts of things she could do, like juggling or dancing.
She sees her dad juggle, and she thinks it's super cool! Before she got the special job, she wanted to learn to juggle. Her parents tell her that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But Junie B. gets confused because she doesn't see any lemons around. Her parents just mean it's a saying, not about real lemons.
Later on, Junie B. wants to try juggling, and her dad surprises her with some lemons! Not the real lemons, just the ones you juggle. She gets really excited and practices a lot.
Now, here's the really funny part! A while back, Junie B. was practicing with a ball. She accidentally kicked the ball over a fence into a lake with alligators! Oh no! She saw a watering can with a cow on it and thought she could use it to scoop out water. But when she kicked it, it got a big dent! Her mom found out and asked her why she thought there'd be water inside a watering can. Junie B. didn't know that watering cans don't usually have water in them!
From this book, we learn that if we try really hard and put our minds to it, we can do anything. Junie B. shows us that even when things don't go as planned, we can still find a way to have fun and be creative. It's a silly and happy story that makes us laugh and feel inspired!
Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/lX_ePOaWArg
December 11, 2023
Junie B, First Grader One Man Band is a contemporary realistic fiction book for young elementary school students. This book follows Juni B through her first-grade kickball tournament. The only problem is that she hurt her toe practicing and now cannot kick a ball successfully. She must find another activity to do. Junie B is a beloved character. She’s young and spunky and always speaks her mind. Her tone clearly depicts the inner monologue of a first-grader. Her actions reflect this as well. The inclusion of her journal entries in a handwritten font and with spelling mistakes and crossed-out words adds to the character's charm as well. Children will love this book because the main character or one of her classmates will connect with the reader in some way. Illustrations are used but sparingly. Only a few scenes are illustrated, and the rest must be imagined. These characters portray the silliness that comes with being a child. The first scene where Junie thinks a logical response to kicking her ball over the fence is to replace the ball with a watering can proves she is a child and may have made that decision impulsively. This book could inspire children to keep their own journals recounting their days.
January 10, 2023
Definitely not my favorite Junie B. book. It wasn’t my first graders favorite either. They still liked it (more than I did) but it definitely wasn’t the same. In my opinion, it wasn’t as funny as the others. The word hate was used a lot in this book and that is a word that we don’t use in my classroom. I know that may be extreme but it was a lot! Thankfully reading to first graders makes it easy to skip or reword certain parts without them even noticing. Feel free to wait around and I can post my students reviews. 😉
March 2, 2024
Reading "Junie B., First Grader: One-Man Band" taught you about creativity and not giving up, even when things are tough. Junie B. shows us that it's important to keep trying and to use our imagination to solve problems.
You can use this lesson in your life by being brave enough to try new things and not being afraid of making mistakes. Remember, every challenge is a chance to learn and grow. Keep dreaming big and using your creativity, just like Junie B.
Keep shining, Qamar
You can use this lesson in your life by being brave enough to try new things and not being afraid of making mistakes. Remember, every challenge is a chance to learn and grow. Keep dreaming big and using your creativity, just like Junie B.
Keep shining, Qamar
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