How about a more modest, kiddie take on American Idol? Folk-rocker Thaddeus Rex, known for his energetic, phonics-centric live shows, has a weekly “Write Like a Rockstar” contest on his Website, where kids can submit poems for consideration as song lyrics. Every Thursday, Rex chooses a winner; in April, he’ll choose one poem to record for his 2009 album. (You’ll be able to check out third-grader Nickie Cashdollar’s “The Stream” on Shakin’ in Chicago, the disc that comes out this April.) Get her to submit one today, and see the weekly results before she even has a chance to get impatient.