The Wide Awake Princess by E.D. Baker

Rating: Cleanest

Audience: It's a light and fast read intended for elementary aged girls, but enjoyable for any age.

Plot:  When their second daughter is born, Sleeping Beauty's parents are determined not to have a repeat curse and so ask a powerful fairy for help.  The only way to protect Annie from a wicked curse, however, is to make her repellent to ALL magic, which the king and queen reluctantly agree to.  As Annie grows up, however, her family realizes that her anti-magic is so strong that it doesn't merely repel spells placed directly on her but also spells around her, and they avoid being near her lest their beauty spells wear off.  Though Annie is lonely, she is a great help to the royal guard as they keep magical spinning wheels away from Annie's sister, because not only can she stop bad magic but she has developed the ability to hear it.

Of course, there wouldn't be much of a story if Sleeping Beauty didn't prick her finger and fall asleep, but after the deed is done Annie heads out into the world to find as many potential princely kissers for her sister as possible.  She stumbles into one fairy tale after another, collecting princes and causing problems for all who rely on magic to make them what they are.  

What makes it great?

It's very clever and funny.  My favorite part is the old witch in the gingerbread house. She's losing her memory so she sticks giant candy conversation hearts all over her house with messages like "go check the cages--if there are children in cages, feed them" (I don't remember the actual words, but you get the idea), which Annie cleverly changes to save the unfortunate children who come there. Annie is brave and spunky, the characters have awesome quirks, and I just enjoyed the whole thing.

I know there is a sequel called "Unlocking the Spell" but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. More to come on that.