I can imagine that children who are wondering what is wrong with their mom or dad when they finally come home from Iraq or Afghanistan would love this Newbery award winner. Nature and solitude can be very healing and it wouldn't surprise me if more than one veteran has taken advantage of such a setting.
ETA: I noticed one reviewer complained about sexism. Well yes gender roles are what one would expect of that era but I see that as a great opportunity to talk about why things are different now. :) There is no malicious sexism.