The state of Texas won't pay for it. It's not like college where students buy their text books. I doubt a teacher would buy a copy for each student.
As I understand the story this was an assigned reading project. I’m guessing the school has a group of books from which the students can select from to accomplish the assignment. That is what the story hints at and this list must be approved by some council, local maybe. Parents can object if they follow procedure. I doubt that all the students were assigned or selected the same book to read, probably first come first served. JMO