Finalists or have been designated from 1990, termed "Honor Books" from 2001.
Up to five titles may be designated as Honor Books.
From 1994 there have been 31 worthy runners up called Honor Books, one to three each year.
Winners are distinguished from Honor Books by yellow background and by 'W' in the far right column.
Starting in 1978 Honor Books have been recognized.
Beginning 1989, as many as two runners up have been designated "Honor Books"; thirty in 24 years through 2012.
There have been 28 Award winners and 30 Honor Books through 2012.
My two favorites this year weren't even chosen as Honor Books (runners-up).
Four worthy runners up may be designated Honor Books and three or four have been named every year.
Four Honor Books were named.