This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase an item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
These McGuffey’s Eclectic Readers PDF links are Project Gutenberg files, which are free ebooks in the public domain and are copyright-free.
Here are the six McGuffey Eclectic Readers free PDF downloads in one convenient location! Plus, I’ve also included the McGuffey Speller free PDF download as well.
The McGuffey Readers are a must-have for every homeschool library. These educational classics were used in most school rooms and homes for more than 100 years. They have such rich literary value and teach children moral lessons, unlike some of the “dumbed-down” readers you’ll find today.
There are also links to physical copies of each of the McGuffey Readers. I personally use these every school year (and almost daily!), so it just made sense for me to have physical copies.
I found it easier to use the actual books instead of reading them on a device or printing them out. You can buy a used 7-book McGuffey Reader set for about $30.
We use McGuffey’s Eclectic Readers for spelling and writing in addition to reading. I have my children write one selection daily for copywork or dictation.
Benefits of the McGuffey Readers
- include stories, poems, essays, and speeches.
- not “dumbed-down” like some modern readers
- teach moral lessons
- work great for daily copywork or dictation
- include spelling and vocabulary lists
- grades K – 6
Grade Level Equivalents
The McGuffey Eclectic Readers are numbered according to reading levels, not grade levels. The following are guides for grade level ranges, but placement will depend on whether your child is an average or advanced reader.
Primer: Grade K-1
First Reader: Grades 1-2
Second Reader: Grades 2-3
Third Reader: Grades 3-4
Fourth Reader: Grades 4-6
Fifth Reader: Grades 5-7
Free PDF Downloads
McGuffey’s Eclectic Primer – Free PDF Download
McGuffey’s Eclectic Primer – Physical Copy
McGuffey’s First Eclectic Reader – Free PDF Download
McGuffey’s First Eclectic Reader – Physical Copy
McGuffey’s Second Eclectic Reader – Free PDF Download
McGuffey’s Second Eclectic Reader – Physical Copy
McGuffey’s Third Eclectic Reader – Free PDF Download
McGuffey’s Third Eclectic Reader – Physical Copy
McGuffey’s Fourth Eclectic Reader – Free PDF Download
McGuffey’s Fourth Eclectic Reader – Physical Copy
McGuffey’s Fifth Eclectic Reader – Free PDF Download
McGuffey’s Fifth Eclectic Reader – Physical Copy
McGuffey’s Eclectic Spelling Book – Free PDF Download
McGuffey’s Eclectic Spelling Book – Physical Copy
Related Reading:
Best Free Skip Counting Songs to Learn Multiplication Facts Fast
Is Homeschooling Free? It Can Be With This Awesome List
My son just started using my kindle to read. I’d definitely look into these free readers for him. Thanks for sharing!
They’re really great classics!
As a homeschooling family, this is a great resource. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Amanda!
This is a great resource! Thank you for sharing
You’re welcome!
I happened to read the end of the book “The ABC’s and all Their Tricks” and saw the recommendation for the McGuffy Books. Which I wish I had seen years ago when I bought the ABC book. I LOVE the ABC book, it was such and eye opener to the true understanding of the English language and spelling. I ALWAYS struggled with spelling and did not what my kids to struggle as much. I spell better now than when I graduated from high school. I was not taught the true rules of English, only just just to memorize words. NOT GOOD.
I have been truly struggling to find a spelling program that teaches kids how to spell more than just limited number of words. And teaches the rules with it, and that builds up over time. The only one I have found is an app called “Ultimate Phonics” by Spencer Learning. It was a big help with my two late readers. My only issue was that is was for just reading and did not have the depth for spelling LOTS of words. I looked into “All About Spelling/Reading”, but just could not bring my self to pay the high cost, with 4 kids.
With the McGuffy books and the knowledge I have I am hoping I can teach my kids to read and spell pretty much most words.
Thank you for providing this resource for all of us. I downloaded all the books and saved them. It is such a blessing to me to have these books without the high cost.
God bless you and your efforts.
Take care,
Tricia
I’ll have to check out that ABC book! I haven’t read it, but it sounds really good. I actually teach spelling just by teaching spelling rules and having my kids do copywork from the McGuffey’s and it’s worked great!
I’m so glad you can use them, Tricia!
Hi have you tried Alpha Phonics? link here :https://www.christianbook.com/alpha-phonics-primer-for-beginning-readers/samiel-blumenfeld/9780941995320/pd/994320?en=bing-pla&event=SHOP&kw=homeschool-0-20%7C994320&p=1179517&dv=c&msclkid=f6246267c15f177752f13d88613061aa&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20Main&utm_term=1100502010844&utm_content=s-homeschool
I think it’s excellent and great for learning spelling. Just quiz them and go through the list.
Yes, I love Alpha Phonics! It’s so simple to use.
Thank you for the files. It is a big help!
No problem! They’re out there for free. I just figured it would be nice to have them all in one place.
Wow Thank you so much for putting this all together in one place! This is so helpful! I just wonder what they ever do with the Christian versions of these books. I remember seeing the Christian version of these books at a dollar book store a couple of years ago. I hope I can find those ones again. Those should be cherished.