Mike Flanagan’s recent adaptation of Stephen King’s *Carrie* on Prime Video incorporates a subtle yet powerful reference to the ongoing debate about book banning in American schools. In the eight-episode series, the telekinetic teenager Carrie visits her school library and chooses several books that challenge the conservative and religious views instilled by her mother. The selection includes renowned works by Maya Angelou, Malinda Lo, Margaret Atwood, John Green, and Ken Kesey, all of which have been frequently targeted or banned in various U.S. school districts.

This library scene is especially relevant given the current landscape of literary censorship. PEN America reported a record 11,982 book bans during the 2025-2026 school year, marking the highest number since tracking began. Most of these challenges center on young adult literature that addresses themes such as race, LGBTQ+ identity, sexuality, and social issues. The books highlighted in *Carrie* share this status, having been removed or restricted often because of their explicit content or their challenging of traditional norms.

The series develops the library moment further through a flashback where a young Carrie is introduced to diverse perspectives beyond the Bible, which was the only text her mother allowed. By showcasing Carrie’s exploration of these censored works, Flanagan’s series comments on how literature can offer new ways of thinking and freedom, even for someone trapped by rigid and extremist beliefs. Notably, King’s original novel has also faced bans, connecting the series’ themes with real-world censorship struggles.

Beyond the cultural nod, the statistics highlight the political and societal dynamics driving book bans. Most censorship attempts originate from organized groups and state legislation rather than individual parents. States like Texas and Florida lead the count in banned books, reflecting broader socio-political battles over educational content. By including these potent literary choices, Flanagan’s *Carrie* not only remains faithful to King’s narrative of empowerment and repression but also resonates as a timely critique of ongoing book censorship in America.