This study attempts to understand the roles and discourse of preservice teachers engaged in literature discussion with elementary students through e-mail exchanges. After local fourth graders chose books from a list appropriate for their reading ability, they were paired with a preservice teacher for an online experience involving email exchanges about the book. Thematic qualitative analysis indicated that the preservice teachers took on different roles when interacting with young students and those roles seemed associated with the kind and success of the discussion that ensued.