Before 1971, Newbery Honor Books were officially called what?

Before 1971, Newbery Honor Books were officially called “runners-up.”

From the award’s early years, the Newbery committee could recognize books judged worthy of special attention even when another title won the medal. These books were described as runners-up, a term that emphasized their position behind the winner rather than their own literary distinction.

In 1971, the American Library Association changed the designation to “Honor Books.” The new terminology was made retroactive, so books originally identified as runners-up are now generally included in Newbery histories as Honor Books. This is why older award lists may use different wording from modern Newbery references.

The historical system also had nuances. Until 1964, Newbery runners-up were preferentially ranked, meaning records could identify first, second, or later runners-up. Beginning in 1964, the books were no longer listed in preferential order, giving them equal standing. The later “Honor” designation further shifted attention from competition with the medal winner to recognition of distinguished children’s literature.