Any camera with shutter speed and aperture control would work.
Shutter speed dial is on the camera.
Aperture ring is usually on the lens.
ISO is set once per cassette when loading film. It's not like digital cameras where we change ISO from shot to shot. Newer cameras may read the DX coding from the film cassette.
Consider a Canon T70 or T90. They are powered by standard AA batteries. (Cheaper and more readily available than other options. In a pinch, can pull batteries from a flash unit.) They use the same FD mount as the AE-1.
The standard Nifty Fifty (FD 50/1.8) is very good. Some assignments are best done with fast prime lenses. (Depth of Field) The FD 35-105/3.5 is also good, but susceptible to veiling glare.
You can also consider a Canon EOS SLR, which uses the EF mount that's still used in Canon DSLRs. The camera would have fairly modern features (autofocus) with a good selection of lenses should she decide to stick with film. If she instead decides to transition to digital (via an EOS DSLR), the new system would be familiar and easy to learn. If she collects high-quality EF lenses, they would still be useful on digital.
If you get a Pentax camera, the SMC-A 35-105/3.5 is very good. Not as sharp as its FD counterpart, but resistant to veiling glare.
Don't worry about the owner manual. Operating instructions should be available online for most cameras.
Many assignments will likely need a tripod. (Long exposure, multiple exposure, variable exposure, variable aperture, etc.)
Do get a neoprene strap. It will make carrying the camera much more comfortable.
Wait on getting a camera bag. Film cassettes will fit in her purse, and she's unlikely to be carrying around multiple lenses at this stage.
Keep in mind that when looking through the viewfinder, you are effectively looking directly at whatever is on the other side of the lens. Be careful when the sun in the frame.
For a future transition to digital, consider mirrorless. Canon FD and Pentax SMC lenses work very well with adapters. I regularly use several FD and PK mount lenses.