Mirror with a Memory

Mirror with a Memory

Releases Winter 2026

Get your personalized copy of Mirror with a Memory.  – a beautifully illustrated hardcover book celebrating a photography leader who made history one portrait at a time. Each book is personally signed by the author, making it a unique keepsake for young readers and collectors alike.

  • Author’s signature with personal dedication
  • Premium hardcover binding
  • Large format (8.5″ × 11.5″) with vibrant illustrations
  • 32 pages of inspiring storytelling

Perfect for:

  • Young science and photography enthusiasts
  • Educational collections
  • Special gifts

Remember Alice Ball from Alice Ball Finds a Cure? Now it’s time to meet her amazing grandfather, J.P. Ball, a pioneering African American photographer who transformed the art of portraiture in the 1800s. Through his innovative use of daguerreotypes – a special kind of photography he called “mirrors with memories” – Ball captured subjects from everyday families to famous figures like Frederick Douglas, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and P.T. Barnum. J.P. Ball made pictures that helped people see themselves in wonderful new ways! This inspiring story shows how Ball’s dedication to his craft helped break down barriers and preserve precious moments of American history for generations to come. Making history one portrait at a time.

Remember Alice Ball from Alice Ball Finds a Cure? Now it’s time to meet her amazing grandfather, J.P. Ball, a pioneering African American photographer who transformed the art of portraiture in the 1800s. Through his innovative use of daguerreotypes – a special kind of photography he called “mirrors with memories” – Ball captured subjects from everyday families to famous figures like Frederick Douglas, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and P.T. Barnum. J.P. Ball made pictures that helped people see themselves in wonderful new ways! This inspiring story shows how Ball’s dedication to his craft helped break down barriers and preserve precious moments of American history for generations to come. Making history one portrait at a time.

More About J.P. Ball:

Google Arts & Culture
Curationist

James Presley Ball, Portrait of Alexander Thomas, c.1851–1859. Cinccinati Museum Center, CC0. Alexander Thomas operated a joint photography studio, Ball & Thomas, with J.P. Ball from 1857-1860.

James Presley Ball, Portrait of Frederick Douglass, 1867. Cincinnati Museum Center, CC0. Douglass is one of many public figures who sat for portraits in Ball’s studio.

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  • Engaging STEM lessons and activities aligned with grade-level standards

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  • Step-by-step instructions for science projects you can do at home or in the classroom

  • Kitchen science recipes that teach chemistry and math concepts

  • Coloring pages and puzzles featuring scientists and innovators

  • Parent/teacher guide with learning objectives and discussion questions

Perfect for students ages 6-12,

our workbooks make STEM learning interactive and fun!

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MICHELE OGLESBY is an entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling. Throughout her career, she has helped others envision possibilities and pursue their dreams. An advocate of STEM education, she has created this STEM Heroes Series to introduce young readers to notable innovators.

MICHELE OGLESBY is an entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling. Throughout her career, she has helped others envision possibilities and pursue their dreams. An advocate of STEM education, she has created this STEM Heroes Series to introduce young readers to notable innovators.