How to Build a Girl follows Johanna Morrigan, a 14-year-old girl from a working-class family in 1990s Wolverhampton, England. Living in a council estate with her eccentric family, Johanna feels out of place and yearns for a different life. After a humiliating experience on national television, she decides to reinvent herself as Dolly Wilde, a bold and confident music journalist.
As Dolly, Johanna embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the challenges of adolescence, ambition, and identity. Her transformation leads her to London, where she delves into the world of music journalism, fame, and the complexities of growing up.