Lerone A. Martin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Centennial Professor at Stanford University, has authored 'Young King: The Making of Martin Luther King Jr.', a book that explores the lesser-known childhood of the iconic civil rights leader. Unlike traditional biographies that often portray King as a saintly figure, Martin's work presents a relatable young King, complete with his flaws and youthful mistakes, such as being a 'ball hog' on the basketball court and navigating the challenges of adolescence. Through original interviews with King's classmates and extensive research, Martin aims to show that greatness is not predetermined and that young adults can aspire to make meaningful contributions to their communities despite their imperfections. The book also addresses the impact of violence on King's life, including a school shooting he experienced at age 14, which may have influenced his commitment to nonviolence. Martin's research was supported by the King Institute at Stanford, which provided access to unpublished materials and oral histories. He hopes the book will resonate with parents and young people, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human side of historical figures. The book will be released with several events planned, including signings and discussions at various venues.