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BOOK LIST

Best Books of 2023 to Add to Your Classroom Library

Give your bookshelves a refresh with the top-selling books of 2023 so far.

By Scholastic Editors
December 4, 2023

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to update your classroom library with the best books of 2023. Just imagine how excited your students will be when they are greeted with fresh and exciting titles after winter break.

New books are a great way to reignite a love of reading in your students and ease them back into learning after a break from the classroom. A fresh mix in your classroom library will introduce your students to new genres, share diverse stories, spark new interests, and expand their imagination. 

With so many great titles to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of the best books of 2023 that deserve a spot on your shelves. From captivating graphic novels to charming picture books, this jam-packed list will make the perfect additions to your classroom library

For example, Lovely Day is a beautiful picture book that brings the classic song to life for little readers with its timeless message of positivity through its bright and cheerful lyrics and eye-catching illustrations. 

Meanwhile, the early chapter book Rainbow Days #2: The Gold Bowl is perfect for readers who are ready to graduate to more challenging titles. It's Coco's birthday, and Zoya wants to give her best friend the perfect gift. But when nothing seems to be the right fit, Zoya suddenly gets a great idea for her puppy's birthday gift, something that's handmade with love just for her. 

Older readers will be enthralled by Dog Man #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, where they rejoin the titular canine hero and his sidekick, Cat Kid, as they try to defeat the evil Piggy and his new band of villains. 

Shop the best books of 2023 below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.

Grades Pre-K-2

$4.49$5.99
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Princess Truly knows how to help! In these three rhyming stories, Princess Truly lends a hand during her friend's moving day, she cleans up a stinky park with her magical curls, and she helps a farmer get his tractor key from a crow's nest! These funny and empowering short stories promote believing in yourself, building confidence, and having a positive self-image, and foster imagination and curiosity, and are perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist.

$4.49$5.99
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It's Coco's birthday and Zoya wants to give her pup the perfect present. She tries out a few ideas -- including a yarn necklace and colorful frosted treats. But she finally decides to paint Coco's bowl gold. With some paint and LOTS of glitter, Zoya creates a gift Coco is sure to love!

Hardcover Book

Lovely Day

Grades Pre-K - 3
$14.24$18.99
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Bill Withers's "Lovely Day" is famous for bringing listeners joy. This beautiful picture book adapted from the song's timeless lyrics follows the story of a brother and sister who always find a way to make each other smile, no matter the challenges the day may bring. From discovering new ways to play when the playground is closed, to laughing out loud as they run through the rain, these siblings can count on each other to find the joy in any situation. Because when you're with the ones you love, every day is a lovely day!

Hardcover Book

I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams

Grades Pre-K - 3
$14.99$19.99
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YOU are your ancestors' wildest dreams. How will you express YOUR greatness? Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing, Little Legends, and All Because You Matter.

Hardcover Book

Make Way for Butterfly

Grades Pre-K - 3
$14.24$18.99
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This laugh-out-loud companion to Ross Burach's The Very Impatient CaterpillarThe Little Butterfly That Could, and Goodnight, Butterfly playfully encourages readers to embrace their own uniqueness while also presenting the steps of pollination.

Hardcover Book

Miss Irwin

Grades Pre-K - 3
$14.99$19.99
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As a young woman, Miss Irwin was a kindergarten teacher who loved introducing the world of discovery to her students. As a grandmother, she often reflects on her wonderful days exploring with her students. When her grandson asks her about a mysterious box on the shelf, she gets lost in memory and her mind transports her back in time to when she was Miss Irwin. At first her grandson is confused, but remembers his grandmother's forgetfulness and plays along as the student who made the bird's nest inside the white box.

Hardcover Book

All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!

Grades Pre-K - 3
$14.24$18.99
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A tender and timeless tale about what truly matters: LOVE. 

$4.49$5.99
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Poppleton loves summer! He sunbathes on his rooftop. He drives to the country for an adventure with his friend Hudson. And he especially enjoys a summer rain shower!

Paperback Book

Seals Are Jerks!

Grades K - 2
$5.24$6.99
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Seals are Lorelei"s favorite animal: they're so cute and cuddly and best buddies with penguins. Well... that"s what she thought before learning the ugly truth -- some seals EAT penguins! She doesn"t want to believe it at first, but she drags Penguin, the classroom guest, and seal whistleblower, to Antarctica to prove Penguin wrong and confront Seal face-to-face. And Seal finally reveals the truth.

Paperback Book

You Are a Star, Jane Goodall

Grades K - 2
$6.74$8.99
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Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. The second book in an exciting new nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Jane Goodall focuses on Jane's lifelong mission to understand the chimpanzees and protect the planet. Hatem Aly's spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and engaging back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Jane!

$5.24$6.99
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Bub the pug and his human, Bella, are taking care of Nana's new puppy, Harlow. They can't wait to teach Harlow some new tricks! But training a puppy isn't an easy job. Will they be able to teach Harlow anything before Nana comes home?

$14.24$18.99
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Little ones will giggle with delight as they anticipate the arrival of the terrible troll in this hilarious twist on a timeless favorite.

Grades 2 and Up

Slice, Totz and Scoop are back in a brand-new adventure! After saving Belching Walrus Elementary yet again, our favorite cafeteria food are ready to finally lay back and relax... not! When a family of donuts show up at the school to tackle an unexpected foe, it's up to our favorite foods to confront the threat and save Belching Walrus once and for all! Are they up to the task? Read and find out!

$17.24$22.99
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With laugh-out-loud humor, puns galore, kid-friendly artwork, and endless heart, Bug Scouts is the perfect early graphic novel series for enthusiasts of Dog ManNarwhal and Jelly, and CatStronauts. So get on your hiking boots, put on your binoculars, and head into wacky adventures with THE BUG SCOUTS.

Piggy has returned, and his newest plot is his most diabolical yet. WHAT other new villains are on the horizon? WHERE are they all coming from? And WHO will step forward to save the city when scoundrels sabotage our Supa Buddies?

Clementine is supposed to be on her way to school... but why not head out for a day of adventure and exploration instead? She recruits her friends Nubbins Squirrel and Penelope Rabbit and goes to the beach, where Jesse Otter is preparing to take a giant Turtle to the mysterious local island. Clementine's great-aunt Marnie lives there -- away from any math tutors or tests -- so Clementine and her friends hitch a ride to the island as stowaways. What could go wrong?

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bad Guys comes another hilarious illustrated series starring a pampered cat who is way tougher than anyone realizes.

George and Harold are best friends who enjoy making their own comic books. Together they've created the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school: Captain Underpants! His true identity is SO secret, even HE doesn't know who he is!

Paperback Book

The Thunder Egg (Dragon Games #1)

Grades 2 - 5
$4.49$5.99
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An adventure-packed series about three kids who travel into a magical, dragon-filled world!

 

Grades 3-7

$9.74$12.99
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Sixth grader Leon discovers what it takes to become a hero in this action-packed graphic novel. Cheer him on as he learns responsibility and to believe in himself!

 

Hardcover Book

Big Tree

Grades 2 - 7
$24.74$32.99
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Brimming with humor, wonder, mystery, and a profound sense of hope, Big Tree is a trailblazing adventure, illustrated with nearly 300 pages of breathtaking pictures. 

Paperback Book

Future Hero: Race to Fire Mountain

Grades 3 - 5
$5.24$6.99
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Jarell has never known where he belongs until a secret portal transports him to a legendary world where he learns he's the hero they have been waiting for.

 

Hardcover Book

Best Wishes #2: The Sister Switch

Grades 3 - 7
$11.99$15.99
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Ten-year-old Addie Asante of Columbus, Ohio, is sick of being the middle sister. Her big sister, Sophie, can do whatever she wants, and her little sister, Camille, is totally spoiled. When Addie receives a mysterious box in the mail containing a magical bracelet - and a note from a girl in New York named Becca - she's intrigued. Addie makes a wish on the bracelet to no longer be in the middle and suddenly - POOF - she's literally transformed into her big sister!

Hardcover Book

Zombie Season

Grades 3 - 7
$11.24$14.99
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The next innovation in the book and gaming space is here: Zombie Season! Read the book. Play the game. Fight the undead.

Hardcover Book

The Beautiful Something Else

Grades 3 - 7
$13.49$17.99
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As Shadow nudges Sparrow to try all the scary, exciting things Mom has always forbidden, Sparrow begins to realize something life-changing: They don't feel like a girl. Or a boy. And while this discovery is exciting, now Sparrow must decide whether to tell everyone―their new family and friends, not-so-secret crush, and, most importantly, their mom―the truth, especially if it means things change forever.

Hardcover Book

Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz

Grades 3 - 7
$14.24$18.99
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Spring semester is here and Maggie is killing it! Her grades are up, she's loving outdoor track and field, and being a seventh grader means the awesome spring break trip to St. Augustine is almost here. But all of Maggie's plans for their unforgettable trip start to fall apart as everyone gets carried away with the upcoming dance instead. Even Julian has a crush―throwing their group dynamic into turmoil when he asks the new girl to be his date. Zoey's so stressed with school that her straight A streak is in trouble . . . and why can't Maggie stop thinking about Eerie Eddie? The three best friends have been inseparable for years, but everything is changing as everyone splits into twos, leaving Maggie unsure of where―and with who―she still fits.

Paperback Book

Perfect Villains (Bad Princesses #1)

Grades 3 - 7
$5.99$7.99
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Princesses don't break the rules, but they may rewrite them.

Paperback Book

Four Eyes

Grades 3 - 7
$9.74$12.99
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Sixth grade isn't as great as Rex thought it would be. He's the only kid who hasn't had a growth spurt, and the bullies won't let him forget it. His closest friend is unreliable, at best. And there's a cute girl in his class who he can't stop thinking about. With so much going on, everything is a blur -- including Rex's vision! So when he discovers that he needs glasses, and his family can only afford the ugliest pair in the store, any hope Rex had of fitting in goes completely out of focus.

Hardcover Book

The Golden Frog Games (Witchlings 2)

Grades 3 - 7
$13.49$17.99
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With Ravenskill hosting this year's games, all eyes are on Seven Salazar, Valley Pepperhorn and Thorn Laroux: the most famous Spares in the Twelve Towns. Thorn is ready to compete as a fashion champion, but when a forbidden hex is used to turn her fellow champions to stone, suspicion lands on the Witchlings.

As the Witchlings attempt to unravel the mystery of the stonifications, future Uncle Seven is harboring a dangerous secret: While she's supposed to be able to communicate with animals, the voices she hears most clearly belong to monstruos, and one spine-chilling voice is the loudest of all.

Paperback Book

Mabuhay!: A Graphic Novel

Grades 3 - 7
$9.74$12.99
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First-generation Filipino siblings JJ and Althea struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. But that hope seems like a long shot, for both of them. To make matters worse, they have to help their parents run the family food truck by dressing up as a dancing pig and passing out samples. Ugh! And their mom is always pointing out lessons from Filipino folklore -- annoying tales they've heard again and again. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the folklore may be more real that they'd suspected. Can they embrace who they really are and save their family?

 

Hardcover Book

Nightmare Island

Grades 3 - 7
$13.49$17.99
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When Peace suddenly becomes afraid of the dark and refuses to sleep alone, their parents take him away for "treatment" on Duppy Island. Serenity has a very bad feeling about the mysterious island and the facility's creepy leader, Dr. Whisper. And when she sees a silver butterfly from her nightmares in the forbidden forest she realizes that something is seriously, dangerously awry.

But nothing could've prepared Serenity for the truth: the island is home to douens -- faceless children with backward feet who are trapped in limbo between the world of the living and the land of the dead. And unless Serenity acts soon, her brother is going to join their ranks...

Hardcover Book

High Score

Grades 3 - 7
$13.49$17.99
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My name's Darius James―but everyone calls me DJ. At my old school, I was the go-to guy for all kinds of tricky problems that needed creative solutions. But at my new school, Ella Fitzgerald Middle, I'm just trying to blend in.

Well, I was, anyway, until my best friend, Conor, got himself transferred to the Fitz too. Now Conor owes 100,000 arcade tickets to the biggest bully around―and he only has two weeks to make it happen. Impossible? Not with my head in the game.

$9.74$12.99
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Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. 39 Clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.

Hardcover Book

Green

Grades 3 - 7
$13.49$17.99
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Middle-grade superstar author Alex Gino returns to the world they began with MELISSA and RICK with GREEN, the story of a non-binary middle-schooler named Green who comes into their own in no small part by fighting for gender-free casting in their school's production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

$13.49$17.99
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Yared has traveled a long way to find his place in the universe. Light years, even. Though the battle of Addis Prime is over, the spacefaring Axum Empire is still fractured. The kingdom once gave their technology away free of charge, to better humankind. Now, having been missing for over a decade, they're returning to the planet where their galaxy-spanning civilization began―Earth.

But they find the planet in disarray. Old Earth's atmosphere is a mess of junked shuttles and satellites. This is especially true of Debris Town, an orbital flotilla where poor spacefarers―left to rot by the Intergalactic Union that rose up in Axum's place―have taken to piracy to survive.

Yared is set to speak at the opening of the Royal Trials, a competition of the best exo pilots in the Sol System. But on the day of his speech, the pirates launch an attack!

Grades 4-7

History's most exciting and terrifying events come to life in these stories of amazing kids and how they survived.

Thrilling graphic novel adaptations of the bestselling "I Survived" series!

 

Paperback Book

City of Dragons: Rise of the Shadowfire

Grades 4 - 7
$9.74$12.99
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Featuring quick wit, a diverse cast, and powerful magic, readers will devour this graphic novel series rooted in Chinese mythology.

Paperback Book

The Tyrell Show: Season Two

Grades 4 - 7
$5.99$7.99
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Tyrell is finishing out his final year at Marcus Garvey Elementary. This time, without his best friend, Boogie. But they won't be apart for too much longer! The Tyrell Show is going on the road to visit Boogie in the Wild West. But when Tyrell shares the news of his visit with his best friend, Boogie starts acting strangely. What's going on? Tyrell is determined to get to the bottom of it. As it turns out, Boogie has a bully! Well, that's not going to fly with Tyrell. Get ready for the showdown of the decade in The Tyrell Show: Season Two!

Paperback Book

Front Desk: Top Story

Grades 5 - 7
$6.71$8.95
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Mia Tang is living the dream: attending journalism camp at the San Francisco Tribune! But when her story ideas keep getting shot down, she"ll have to work with her friends
to get back on top. The beloved New York Times bestselling Front Desk series continues, with all the heart and energy that Mia brings to everything she does!

$9.74$12.99
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In this new graphic adventure, Brooklyn"s Spider-Man deftly navigates a tangled web of problems after he"s asked to launch a video game.

 

$5.99$7.99
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Kids everywhere will wish they were hanging with 12-year-old Eddie and his neighborhood friends as they face the apocalypse under hilarious circumstances.

Grades 7 and Up

Paperback Book

The Storyteller

Grades 5 - 8
$5.99$7.99
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Once Ziggy gets it in his head that clues to his mother's disappearance may be found in a nearby cave, there's no stopping him from going there. Along with Moon, Alice, and his best friend, Corso, he sets out on a mind-bending adventure where he'll discover his story is tied to all the stories of the Cherokees that have come before him.

Ziggy might not have any control over the past -- but if he learns the lessons of the storytellers, he might be able to better shape his future and find the friends he needs.

Hardcover Book

You, Me, and Our Heartstrings

Grades 7 and up
$14.24$18.99
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Daisy is tired of her disability being the only thing people see about her, and all of the attention sends Noah's anxiety disorder into high speed. They can see their dream coming closer than it's ever been before. But is the cost suddenly too high?

Hardcover Book

At the Speed of Lies

Grades 7 and up
$14.99$19.99
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Quinn Calvet was supposed to be having an epic year. She had all kinds of plans with her best friend, Ximena, and sister, Ava, and to grow her following as an influencer on The Whine. Instead, Quinn finds herself third wheel to Ximena and her new boyfriend or getting ditched by Ava who has turned into an overachiever, obsessed with studying and joining every school club. It brings up Quinn's old feelings that her disability has her left behind. She tries to talk to Ava about it, but she's too busy with the newest club at school, Defend Kids, which is working frantically to help find two kids who were recently kidnapped from a nearby town.

Hardcover Book

Where You See Yourself

Grades 7 and up
$14.99$19.99
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By the time Effie Galanos starts her senior year, it feels like she's already been thinking about college applications for an eternity-after all, finding a college that will be the perfect fit and be accessible enough for Effie to navigate in her wheelchair presents a ton of considerations that her friends don't have to worry about.

Hardcover Book

Love Letters for Joy

Grades 7 and up
$14.24$18.99
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It's senior year and everyone seems to be obsessed with pairing up. One of seventeen-year-old Joy's best friends may be developing feelings for her and the other uses Caldwell's anonymous love-letter writer to snag the girl of her dreams. Joy starts to wonder if she has missed out on a quintessential high school experience. She is asexual, but that's no reason she can't experience first love, right?

She writes to Caldwell Cupid to help her sort out these new feelings and, over time, finds herself falling for the mysterious voice behind the letters. But falling in love might mean risking what she wants most, especially when the letter-writer turns out to be the last person she would ever expect.

Hardcover Book

Two Degrees

Grades 7 - 10
$13.49$17.99
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Hold on tight as celebrated author Alan Gratz tackles the tough topic of climate change in this action-packed title detailing three epic natural disasters.

Hardcover Book

This Indian Kid

Grades 8 - 10
$14.99$19.99
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Growing up impoverished and shuttled between different households made life hard for Eddie Chuculate. Despite the challenges--from occasional racism to food insecurity-- his upbringing was rich with love and bountiful lessons from his Creek and Cherokee heritage, deep-rooted traditions he embraced even as he learned to live within the culture of white, small-town America that dominated his migratory childhood. A love letter to his Native American roots and an inspiring and essential message for young readers everywhere.

Hardcover Book

Shadow Coven (The Witchery, Book 2)

Grades 9 and up
$14.99$19.99
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The Haunting Season has ended, but dark magic lurks in the shadows in this deadly sequel to The Witchery.

Hardcover Book

The Library of Broken Worlds

Grades 9 and up
$16.49$21.99
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In the winding underground tunnels of the Library, the great peacekeeper of the three systems, a heinous secret lies buried -- and Freida is the only one who can uncover it. As the daughter of a Library god, Freida has spent her whole life exploring the Library's ever-changing tunnels and communing with the gods. Her unparalleled access makes her unique -- and dangerous.

With the world at the brink of war, Freida embarks on a journey to fulfill her destiny, one that pits her against an ancient war god. Her mission is straightforward: Destroy the god before he can rain hellfire upon thousands of innocent lives -- if he doesn't destroy her first.

Hardcover Book

Gay Club!

Grades 9 and up
$14.99$19.99
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Barney's a shoo-in for his school's LGBTQ+ Society President at the club's next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention. How low will the candidates go to win? Buckle up for some serious shade, scandals and sleazy shenanigans. It isn't long before it's National Coming Out Day - for everyone's secrets!

But when the group faces an unexpected threat - and a big opportunity - can the club members put politics aside and stand united?

Hardcover Book

Solitaire

Grades 9 - 12
$14.99$19.99
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The amazing novel that introduced Nick and Charlie from HEARTSTOPPER -- and the unforgettable Tori Spring.

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